Congress MLAs show factionalism in Malappuram reception

Internal factionalism within the Congress party became evident during a reception for party MLAs organized by the Malappuram DCC. The event, inaugurated by AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal, saw several prominent leaders conspicuously omit any mention of Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan.

Minister A. P. Anilkumar, Nilambur MLA Aryadan Shoukath, and Tavanur MLA V. S. Joy all focused their speeches on praising Venugopal. Shoukath credited Venugopal with providing him the opportunity to contest the election, while Joy delivered an elaborate tribute, describing Venugopal as a “lance-headed leader of the anti-fascist struggle in Indian politics.” Anilkumar also highlighted Venugopal’s role in connecting Kerala’s contributions to the national Congress movement.

Notably, none of these three speakers referenced the political or organizational achievements of the Satheesan-led Opposition. However, Ponnani MLA K. P. Noushad Ali was present and did mention Satheesan’s administrative achievements in his speech, marking a distinction from the other legislators on the platform.