Kerala Assembly elections: Congress expels rebel KPCC member in Taliparamba

The Congress has expelled Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) member Koyyam Janardhanan for contesting as a rebel candidate in Taliparamba against the UDF-backed Independent, intensifying factional tensions in the constituency ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls.

The disciplinary action was taken after Mr. Janardhanan refused to withdraw his candidature despite repeated persuasion by party leadership, including direct intervention by KPCC president Sunny Joseph. Party sources said both KPCC and District Congress Committee leaders had made efforts to bring him back, but he remained firm on his decision.

Mr. Janardhanan had openly opposed the UDF’s decision to support T.K. Govindan, a former CPI(M) leader contesting as an Independent with UDF backing in Taliparamba. Protesting against this move, Mr. Janardhanan announced his candidacy, joined initially by Youth Congress Kannur district president Vigil Mohanan, who later withdrew from the contest.

Maintaining that he “must honour his commitment to the people”, Mr. Janardhanan said he would go ahead with the campaign. He is scheduled to begin his constituency tour from Saturday.

Meanwhile, DCC president Martin George alleged that Mr. Janardhanan was rebelling against the party under the influence of CPI(M). “However, this cannot be tolerated and the party decision is applicable to all,” he said.

“The Congress will fully back and support T. K. Govindan, and we are sure that the UDF will win the election in Taliparamba,” he said adding that there was “no issue” with the Youth Congress.

The LDF has fielded P.K. Shyamala as it candidate in the constituency, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest.