Rift widens in Idukki Congress as DCC chief targets Dean Kuriakose

The internal rift within the Congress party in Idukki has deepened as District Congress Committee (DCC) president C.P. Mathew launched a scathing attack on Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, labelling him a “half-baked” leader.

Speaking to the media on Friday in Thodupuzha, Idukki, Mr. Mathew alleged that the DCC has gained no benefit from the MP’s tenure. “There is no support from Mr. Kuriakose for the smooth organisational functioning of the Congress party in the district. He is acting like an MP of a Panchayat, not a Lok Sabha constituency. Mr Kuriakose earned his post only through the backing of the late Congress leader P.T. Thomas,” Mr. Mathew said.

The DCC president’s outburst follows Mr. Kuriakose’s public criticism of disciplinary actions taken against party workers in Thodupuzha. The Idukki DCC recently penalised four activists who organised a march in Thodupuzha last week in support of V.D. Satheesan as Kerala’s next Chief Minister. Mr. Kuriakose had condemned these measures as “unethical,” a stance that reportedly irked Mr. Mathew and triggered the current confrontation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mathew’s comments have sparked a serious internal power struggle. Idukki DCC General Secretary Arun Podipara has formally demanded that the KPCC remove Mr. Mathew from the presidency. “The DCC President is making unethical criticisms against leaders daily. We are now afraid to attend DCC meetings with Mr. Mathew at the helm,” Mr Podipara stated.

Another DCC General Secretary, Bijo Mani, took to social media to highlight the various party positions held by Dean Kuriakose to counter the president’s claims.

A senior Congress leader noted that Mr. Mathew’s statements are damaging the party’s reputation in the district. “Mr. Mathew is attacking Mr. Kuriakose simply to gain favour with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Many DCC members and senior leaders will now demand that the party leadership remove C.P. Mathew immediately, as he is no longer fit to hold the post,” the leader added.