Idukki DCC president launches scathing attack against MP Dean Kuriakose

Idukki: A major rift has surfaced within Congress in Idukki following the elections, with sharp public criticism emerging between party members.Idukki DCC president C P Mathew launched a scathing attack against MP Dean Kuriakose, describing him as "a party functionary who ripened before maturity." He also alleged that the MP had been of no benefit to the district congress committee. Speaking to the media, Mathew said Kuriakose's position as MP was built on the ‘sweat and hard work' of late P T Thomas. He further remarked that an MP should remain a "member of Parliament and not become a member of panchayat." The controversy erupted after Kuriakose publicly questioned disciplinary action initiated by the Idukki DCC against Congress workers who had taken out a procession supporting V D Satheesan as chief minister while leadership discussions were ongoing. The criticism reportedly angered the DCC president. Mathew stated that the MP was not extending the necessary support required for organisational activities, though he declined to elaborate further on Kuriakose's conduct for the time being. Last Friday, Kuriakose had termed DCC's threat to remove Congress leaders from party posts for participating in the pro-Satheesan procession as ‘cruel'. He said the party's election victory was achieved through the sacrifice and hard work of party workers and urged the leadership to recognise their emotional response with sensitivity. He also said Congress was not a cadre party that should excessively wield the ‘sword of discipline'. Meanwhile, criticism against the DCC president has intensified from within the party ranks. DCC general secretary Arun Podippara accused Mathew of publicly insulting different leaders every day and demanded his removal from the post. DCC general secretary Bijo Mani, through social media, remarked that "this much maturity is enough for now," in an apparent jibe at the DCC president. DKTF state vice-president Joy Myladi also alleged that the person occupying the post of Idukki DCC president had ‘aged, decayed and turned foul.'