The Congress party in Kerala has escalated its feud with the ruling CPI(M) by filing a police complaint against district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu for a controversial remark targeting MP Shafi Parambil. The complaint, lodged by Alathur Block Congress General Secretary Pramod via email to the Palakkad District Police Chief on Thursday night, accuses Babu of defamation and derogatory conduct. This development highlights deepening political tensions in the state ahead of local elections, where personal attacks have intensified between the rivals.

Pramod's petition describes Babu's statement as "derogatory and baseless", alleging it not only defames Parambil but also insults the Congress party and women across Kerala. He demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a thorough investigation into the matter. The remark in question, made on Thursday, labelled Parambil the "headmaster" of Rahul Mamkootathil, the Nilambur MLA under scrutiny for alleged sexual misconduct. Mamkootathil, a CPI(M) legislator, faces a police probe following accusations by a female party worker, which has embarrassed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Babu remained defiant on Friday, reaffirming his stance and dismissing the complaint as politically motivated. "I have nothing more to add than what I said earlier. Congress leaders can give complaints and take legal action," he told reporters. He issued a veiled warning, stating that escalation would lead to "consequences", and accused forces plotting Parambil's downfall of orchestrating the backlash. "I have no interest in the morality of leaders in other parties. At this time, discussions should be on the government’s welfare programmes," Babu added, attempting to shift focus to LDF initiatives.

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Notably, other senior CPI(M) leaders in Palakkad distanced themselves from Babu's comments, signalling potential internal discord. Party veteran A.K. Balan clarified he lacked evidence to endorse such allegations, saying, "Babu might have had evidence when he made the comment." Similarly, N.N. Krishnadas, another prominent figure, downplayed the controversy, remarking that the Congress was in "decline" and the Left had no time for their "degradation". This episode underscores the volatile political landscape in Kerala, where the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) continues to challenge the LDF on governance and ethical lapses, including the ongoing probe into Mamkootathil's conduct.

As the complaint progresses, it could further polarise voters in Palakkad, a key battleground district. The incident reflects broader patterns of mudslinging in Kerala's hyper-competitive politics, where personal barbs often overshadow policy debates, potentially influencing public sentiment in the run-up to the 2026 assembly elections.

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