The alleged suicides of two party workers in Kerala's Wayanad district have put the opposition Congress party on the back foot, particularly as their MP, Priyanka Gandhi, is currently in her constituency.
A day after a local party worker's death, another tragedy struck when the daughter-in-law of former District Congress Committee (DCC) treasurer, NM Vijayan, allegedly attempted to take her own life by injuring her wrist. Padmaja, who was admitted to hospital, is now in a stable condition.
Her suicide attempt came just hours after she told the media that the financial assistance promised by the party after her father-in-law's death last year had still not been provided. Vijayan, 78, and his son, Jijesh, 38, allegedly died by suicide after accumulating heavy debt, which the family claims was taken on for party activities. Following the incident, the Congress had assured them they would take responsibility for the liabilities.
On Saturday, Padmaja told reporters that the family still has debts of over ₹2 crore, with less than ₹20 lakh having been settled. "My father-in-law took out loans for party needs, not for personal purposes. The party promised to clear all liabilities but has gone back on its word. My husband is in hospital due to the stress. I can’t hold on for long," she said, adding that the family plans to stage a protest outside the DCC office and petition the Chief Minister.
Senior Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan said the party's inquiry into Vijayan’s death was ongoing. "Once it is over, the money will be paid. How can the party pay when the inquiry is pending?" he said.
The recent death of senior Congress leader and Mullankolly panchayat councillor, Jose Nelledam, has further embarrassed the party. Nelledam was found dead in a pond near his house on Friday, having reportedly consumed poison and slit his wrist. In a video that surfaced after his death, Nelledam claimed he was being targeted with false accusations related to the arrest of fellow leader, Kanattumalayil Thankachan.
Thankachan was arrested after liquor and explosives were allegedly seized from his house but was released 13 days later when it was discovered the contraband had been planted by another party worker. Nelledam admitted he had tipped off the police but insisted he was falsely branded a conspirator. "They made allegations to see my blood and destroy my children's future. I cannot endure this," he said in the video.
ND Appachan, Wayanad DCC President, said that as a suicide note was found at Nelledam’s house, its contents should be made public. "I suspect some foul play. The Pulpally police remanded Thankachan without conducting any investigation. We suspect some political motives in the police’s actions," he said. He added that the DCC is in contact with Nelledam’s family and will provide support, while also denying any party infighting. "These situations emerged after an issue during the development seminar organised at Mullankolly recently. There are also people inside the Congress behind it. However, I will not disclose their names at this time. I will present their names before the leadership," he said.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has criticised the Congress over its internal issues in Wayanad. Minister V Sivankutty said the Congress had become a "mafia" in Kerala. "Murder, abetment of suicide, open violent incidents, abortion— these are what Congress represents today. Now, reports are coming in that the daughter-in-law of the late former DCC Treasurer NM Vijayan of Wayanad, has also attempted suicide," he said.
The Minister’s statement cited the deaths by suicide of Vijayan and Nelledam. "Even as such incidents take place, Congress leaders are in a frenzy to shield people like Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces sexual assault allegations. The internal problems of Congress have now become a social problem. Those who raise criticisms are being subjected to severe cyberattacks, and even Congress leaders themselves have fallen victim," he added.
Also read: Wayanad set for new govt medical college; Priyanka welcomes move
Follow us
