Kerala's Youth Congress vice president Abin Varkey has openly appealed to the national leadership to allow him to remain in his home state, just a day after being appointed as a national secretary instead of the coveted state president post. This comes amidst brewing resentment from influential factions, including the Congress(I) group led by veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala, who are fuming over what they perceive as a deliberate sidelining of popular figures like Varkey.

With local body elections and assembly polls on the horizon, Varkey's plea underscores the high stakes, as he emphasized his deep-rooted loyalty to the party, stating he lives and breathes Congress and would never challenge its decisions. Insiders reveal that Varkey, who secured the second-highest votes in the last Youth Congress elections, had reportedly declined the national role earlier, highlighting his preference for grassroots work in Kerala where he could directly influence upcoming electoral battles.

The appointment of O J Janeesh as the new state president has ignited further controversy, especially since Janeesh polled significantly fewer votes than Varkey in the previous internal polls, raising eyebrows about the selection criteria. Varkey, addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, maintained a composed stance, asserting that no position is unimportant and he could serve the party even without a formal role.

He acknowledged that the decision might have factored in various elements and expressed unwavering acceptance, while noting that state leaders have already voiced their concerns to the high command. This internal discord isn't isolated; similar grievances surround another youth leader, Abhijith, a former KSU president, who was also overlooked, prompting threats of formal complaints from the old A and I groups within the Congress.

Resentment is palpably growing among party workers, who argue that these unilateral appointments ignore the sentiments of senior leaders and the rank-and-file, potentially weakening the organization's unity ahead of crucial assembly bypolls. Sources from these factions indicate plans to petition the national leadership, decrying an "authoritarian approach" that denies natural justice to deserving candidates like Varkey and Abhijith, both seen as dynamic faces capable of energizing the youth wing. Varkey stressed the democratic ethos of the Congress, where members can freely express views unlike in rival parties, but the episode exposes underlying tensions between state aspirations and central directives.

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As the Congress gears up for electoral challenges in Kerala, this episode could have far-reaching implications, with fears that sidelining popular leaders might demotivate cadres and erode grassroots support. Varkey concluded by reaffirming his commitment, vowing not to tarnish the party's image, but the unfolding drama has put the spotlight on internal power dynamics. Party observers are watching closely to see if the high command heeds the calls for reconsideration, or if this becomes a flashpoint in Kerala's volatile political landscape where unity is key to countering opponents like the CPI(M) and BJP.

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