The presence of Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, her parliamentary constituency in Kerala, has coincided with a period of crisis for the Congress party. The alleged suicides of two party workers have cast a shadow over her visit, generating significant controversy and prompting a wave of questions. One suicide occurred last year, and another recently, which has led to criticism from the CPM, highlighting perceived internal problems within the Congress.
The former District Congress Committee (DCC) treasurer, N.M. Vijayan, and his son died by suicide in Wayanad last year after consuming poison. More recently, Jose Nelledam, a senior Congress leader and Mullankolli panchayat member, also ended his life. Compounding the situation, Padmaja, Vijayan’s daughter-in-law, attempted suicide. Authorities reported her stable condition after hospitalization.
Financial difficulties have emerged as a central theme in the events. Vijayan and his son were reportedly burdened by debt. Padmaja mentioned the party had promised financial support after Vijayan’s death but failed to deliver. Vijayan (78) and his son (38) are thought to have taken their lives due to debt. The Congress had initially pledged to take responsibility for the debt. However, Padmaja has indicated that the family still has a significant amount of debt outstanding and that the party has not honored its promises. The family plans to hold protests and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister. Senior Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan mentioned that the investigation into the death of Vijayan is still underway.
The death of Jose Nelledam, the senior Congress leader, has also added to the party’s challenges. Nelledam was found dead near his home, having allegedly ingested poison and cut his wrist. In a video, Nelledam alleged he was falsely targeted relating to the arrest of Kanattumalayil Dhyanvadan. Dhyanvadan was arrested after alcohol and explosives were discovered at his home, but was later released when it was determined that another party worker planted the items. Nelledam had admitted to informing the police but claimed he was wrongly accused. The Wayanad DCC president, N.D. Appachan, requested that the suicide note be made public and expressed concerns. He believes there may be political motives behind the police action. The DCC is in contact with Nelledam’s family and offering support, and Appachan denied that there were internal conflicts within the party.
The CPM has weighed in, criticizing the Congress regarding the internal issues. Minister V. Sivankutty described the Congress in Kerala as having become a mafia. He cited activities such as murder, abetting suicide, violence, and abortion, and said that the internal issues of the Congress have become a social problem.