Congress Demands Resignation from Councilor Over V.M. Vinu Voter List Controversy in Kozhikode

The Congress party has initiated disciplinary action against Malapparamba Councilor K.P. Rajesh Kumar following a significant controversy involving UDF’s mayoral candidate for Kozhikode Corporation, director V.M. Vinu. The action comes after it was revealed that Vinu’s name was not on the voter list, despite Kumar having informed the party leadership otherwise.

Kumar was formally reprimanded by the party, and his resignation from the councilor’s position has been accepted. Rajesh Kumar represents the ward that includes V.M. Vinu’s residence and was responsible for verifying Vinu’s electoral details. His incorrect assertion led to embarrassment for the United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the local body elections.

Adding to the controversy, Councilor K.P. Rajesh Kumar had previously submitted a letter to the District Congress Committee (DCC) President stating his intention to withdraw from active politics after the corporation elections. In his letter, Kumar cited financial and mental difficulties as reasons hindering his active participation in organizational activities, though he affirmed his commitment to work in Wards 8 and 12 for the corporation elections. He clarified at the time that he was not ending his active political involvement but merely confining his activities to the ward temporarily.

The issue escalated when V.M. Vinu himself approached the High Court, seeking an order to include his name in the voter list after discovering its absence. However, the High Court dismissed his petition. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, in his ruling, stated that no special consideration could be given to an individual, even a celebrity, whose name was not present in the draft voter list. The court emphasized that it could not assist someone whose name was not even in the preliminary electoral rolls. This ruling effectively barred Vinu from contesting in the local body elections, delivering a major setback to the UDF’s mayoral aspirations in Kozhikode.