What Led to Turmoil in Cong in Priyanka Gandhi's Wayanad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- N.D. Appachan resigned amid internal turmoil.
- Suicides of senior leaders have impacted the party's stability.
- Appachan denies any coercion in his resignation.
- Financial impropriety allegations were refuted by Appachan.
- Factionalism remains a challenge for the Wayanad Congress.
Wayanad, Sep 25 (NationPress) In a surprising turn of events, the president of the Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC), N.D. Appachan, submitted his resignation on Thursday. This development was confirmed by Sunny Joseph, the Congress' Kerala president and current legislator.
This resignation coincides with a tumultuous period for the Wayanad Congress unit, which is currently facing internal strife, exacerbated by the tragic suicides of two prominent party members, leaving the local organization in a state of upheaval. Tensions reportedly surged after remarks made by Appachan concerning Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s recent visit to the district were perceived unfavorably by party higher-ups.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his resignation, Appachan asserted that he was not coerced into stepping down, stating, “I had personally informed the leadership of my willingness to resign, and that is what I have done.”
He stressed that he was not involved in the suicides but conceded that he was indirectly linked to the ongoing issues.
Addressing accusations of financial misconduct, Appachan affirmed that he did not gain any personal advantage from financial transactions.
He accused specific local factions of intentionally sowing discord within the organization and disseminating false information, including allegations that he had obstructed Priyanka Gandhi from meeting with him.
Appachan confirmed that he had indeed met with Priyanka Gandhi following a KPCC meeting to discuss matters related to a family member’s passing and reiterated his commitment to the party, declaring he would remain loyal “until my last breath.”
The controversies escalated further after the suicide of senior leader N.M. Vijayan, whose daughter-in-law has initiated a Satyagraha outside the DCC office, demanding that pending dues be settled by September 30, with another protest planned for October 2.
Recently, the Congress addressed the Urban Bank dues of the deceased Vijayan, paying ₹58 lakh as part of a settlement with the family, in addition to previous resolutions with a private financial institution.
The situation intensified following references to Congress leaders in Vijayan’s suicide note.
Sunny Joseph confirmed that Appachan’s resignation will be forwarded to the party's high command.
Factionalism continues to plague the Wayanad unit, with AICC General Secretary and Wayanad MP K.C. Venugopal having previously warned local leaders of strict consequences for failing to uphold organizational discipline.