Thrissur, 26 Dec (H.S.): The Congress party in Thrissur has been hit by a major internal crisis following the selection of its mayoral candidate, with senior councillor Lali James openly expressing strong resentment over being sidelined for the post. The controversy has exposed deep divisions within the party, with allegations of money power, favouritism, and internal lobbying coming to the fore.

Lali James, a four-time councillor of the Thrissur Municipal Corporation, has not yet accepted the party whip issued for the mayoral election. Her discontent stems from the decision to consider Dr. Niji Justine for the mayor’s post, despite her long experience and strong electoral record. Senior Congress leader Therambil Ramakrishnan has reportedly been holding talks with Lali James in an effort to pacify her.

Speaking candidly, Lali James alleged that the mayoral post was effectively “sold” and that financial influence played a decisive role in the selection. She said she was sidelined because she did not possess money or political clout. “I have no money. I have always been transparent about that. I have worked only for the people and not for personal gain,” she said.

She further alleged that Dr. Niji Justine and her husband had met senior AICC leaders to secure the post. According to Lali, leaders including K.C. Venugopal, Deepa Das Munshi and Mathew Kuzhalnadan supported Niji’s candidature. “If there were other deserving candidates, the district leadership should have informed the high command. The leadership in Delhi does not understand the ground realities in Thrissur,” she remarked.

Lali also claimed that colleagues had warned her that Niji and her husband were “moving around with bags,” hinting at monetary dealings. “I don’t know what was inside those bags. I only know that I have no money. I have earned only goodwill through public service,” she said, adding that while Niji may have earned through her profession, she herself never used politics for personal gain.

Expressing disappointment, Lali said that even senior leader Therambil Ramakrishnan, who supported her candidature, was informed of the final decision only at the last moment. She reiterated that she had won four consecutive terms as councillor with record margins and had even defeated the Left Democratic Front’s mayoral candidate in the previous election.

The episode has triggered serious unrest within the Congress ranks in Thrissur, casting a shadow over party unity ahead of the mayoral election.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman