Youth Congress Leader Faces Ouster Demand for Accompanying Suspended MLA; Opposition Leader Refuses Meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A significant rift has emerged within the Youth Congress, as a faction has formally demanded the removal of Nemom Shajeer, the Youth Congress Thiruvananthapuram District President. The demand comes after Shajeer accompanied Rahul Mamkootathil to the Legislative Assembly, despite Mamkootathil facing disciplinary suspension from the party. Critics argue that accompanying a suspended member sends a misleading message to the party cadre and the public. A formal complaint seeking Shajeer’s removal has reportedly been lodged with the national leadership.

Rahul Mamkootathil’s unexpected presence in the Assembly session, defying expectations that he would abstain following party disciplinary action, reportedly caught both the Opposition Leader and the party leadership by surprise. Mamkootathil arrived accompanied by Nemom Shajeer, State Secretary Reno Pirajan, and aide Fazal. This act has been widely interpreted as an indication that Mamkootathil has the backing of a specific faction within the party, further fueling internal tensions.

Adding to the controversy, Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan explicitly denied an audience to Youth Congress District President Nemom Shajeer. Satheesan was visibly displeased with Shajeer’s decision to accompany the suspended MLA. Shajeer made attempts to meet Satheesan on Wednesday, but the Opposition Leader consistently refused. His efforts to gain an audience in Satheesan’s chamber within the Legislative Assembly were reportedly ignored, and a subsequent attempt to approach him as Satheesan returned to the assembly hall was also rebuffed, with the Opposition Leader actively avoiding interaction.