Kasargod, 15 Nov (H.S.):

Infighting in the Kasaragod Congress intensified on Sunday as District Congress Committee (DCC) president P K Faisal rejected allegations concerning the party office’s construction and accused sections within the organisation of attempting to tarnish his image.

The dispute escalated after KPCC secretary B Subbaya Rai complained to the state leadership that Faisal had sought ₹20 lakh to name the office’s third floor after his father, Rama Rai, Kasaragod’s first DCC president.

In his November 11 complaint, Subbaya said Faisal approached him six to eight months ago and he had agreed to consider the proposal. However, he alleged that the DCC subsequently proceeded with a different naming decision without informing him.

Subbaya also said the committee had decided a year earlier to dedicate the floor to former DCC president and legislator K P Kunhikannan.

Backing the complaint, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan alleged financial irregularities in the construction project and claimed money had been sought from several people for naming the same hall.

Unnithan’s remarks followed a heated KPCC meeting where Faisal reportedly urged the leadership to restrain the MP from publicly criticising Congress leaders. Unnithan, however, reiterated his allegations during the meeting.

Speaking to reporters, Faisal dismissed the accusations as baseless and said he would approach the KPCC and the All India Congress Committee.

“If the issue is not resolved there, I will take the legal route,” he said.

Faisal maintained that there was a general demand for a memorial to Kunhikannan. The existing office lacked adequate meeting space, necessitating a hall accommodating at least 250 people, he explained.

He accused certain party members of trying to obstruct construction and discourage office-bearers from attending meetings he convened. Faisal also criticised Subbaya for allegedly staying away from a DCC-organised remembrance programme for Rama Rai, further sharpening the bitter internal party confrontation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman