Priyanka Gandhi’s presence in Wayanad, her parliamentary constituency in Kerala, is drawing attention due to the suicides of two Congress party workers. The deaths have put the Congress in a difficult position, raising questions and leading to criticism. One suicide happened last year, and a recent one has prompted the CPM to highlight alleged internal problems within the Congress.
Last year, N.M. Vijayan, former treasurer of the District Congress Committee (DCC), along with his son, died by suicide after consuming poison. Jose Nelledam, a senior Congress leader and a member of the Mullankolli panchayat, also took his life recently. Moreover, Padmaja, Vijayan’s daughter-in-law, attempted suicide by cutting her wrist. Police reported her condition as stable after hospitalization.
Financial strain appears to be a key factor in the suicides. It is reported that Vijayan and his son were deeply in debt. Padmaja mentioned the party promised financial aid after Vijayan’s death, which was not fulfilled. Vijayan (78) and his son (38) are believed to have ended their lives due to debt, reportedly taken for party activities. Following the events, the Congress assured they would take responsibility for the family’s debt. However, Padmaja has stated the family still has significant debts remaining and the party has not honored its promise. The family is planning to protest and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister. Senior Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan stated that the investigation is ongoing.
The death of Jose Nelledam, a senior Congress leader and Mullankolli panchayat member, has further complicated matters. Nelledam was found dead near his home, after allegedly consuming poison and cutting his wrist. A video surfaced after his death in which he accused that he was wrongly targeted in relation to the arrest of Kanattumalayil Dhyanvadan. Dhyanvadan was arrested when alcohol and explosives were found in his home, but was released after it was determined that another party worker planted the items. Nelledam admitted informing the police but claimed he was falsely accused. N.D. Appachan, the Wayanad DCC president, said the suicide note from Nelledam’s home should be made public and expressed suspicions, and suggested that there might be political motivations behind the police actions. The DCC is supporting Nelledam’s family. Appachan denied any internal conflicts within the party.
The CPM has criticized the Congress, focusing on the internal issues. Minister V. Sivankutty said the Congress in Kerala has become a mafia. He alleged that the Congress is involved in activities like murders, abetting suicide, open violence, and abortions, and the internal issues of the Congress have become a social problem.