KPCC cracks whip on spokespersons over CM criticism; bars personal comments

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Sunday issued a strict gag order banning its spokespersons and media panellists from making public or personal comments on internal party disputes. The directive follows open criticism from within the party over the controversial government pleader appointment row involving CM V.D. Satheesan.

KPCC General Secretary Deepthi Mary Varghese issued comprehensive guidelines cautioning party representatives against making personal statements on television talk shows and social media.

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Official spokespersons have been directed to strictly adhere to the authorised party line and completely avoid airing personal or factional opinions. The KPCC has warned that any deviation from these guidelines will invite immediate disciplinary action.

The friction erupted over the appointment of government pleaders, triggering a public dispute between the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, and V.D. Satheesan.

The disagreement escalated rapidly as different factions within the Congress began openly clashing on media platforms. Fearing that the widening internal rift would severely damage the party’s public image, the leadership intervened to project a united front.

The Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) strongly objected to the appointment of two government pleaders, alleging that one lawyer had past ties with the CPM’s student wing, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), while another had links with the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The internal friction within the Congress in Kerala intensified further following an incident in which V.D. Satheesan reportedly publicly snubbed Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) state president Aloysius Xavier.

The incident took place at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, in Kochi on Friday, where both leaders attended the Heartian Women Health Summit. After delivering his speech, Satheesan reportedly left the stage and interacted with attendees but ignored Xavier, who had stepped forward to greet him.