Synopsis
On February 5, the NCP (SP) office in Thiruvananthapuram was vandalised following clashes between rival factions, resulting in injuries and damage to property. The party, part of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, is facing internal strife exacerbated by leadership disputes.Key Takeaways
- NCP (SP) office vandalised in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Clashes between rival factions resulted in injuries.
- Internal disputes within the party over leadership roles.
- P.C. Chacko plays a mediating role in the division.
- Supporters of Aji and Kumar clashed over leadership struggles.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 (NationPress) The NCP (SP) office in Thiruvananthapuram experienced vandalism on Wednesday as two rival factions clashed, resulting in injuries to several party members and the destruction of office furniture.
The NCP (SP) unit serves as an ally in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government. The party comprises two MLAs, including state Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran and Thomas K. Thomas. Tensions are escalating between both leaders.
Kerala's NCP (SP) is led by former Congress MP P.C. Chacko. There has been rising discord within the state unit after National President Sharad Pawar requested Saseendran to vacate the Forest Ministry, allowing Thomas to assume the role. However, this transition has not yet materialized, as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan continues to support Saseendran.
Following Sharad Pawar's directives, the Kerala NCP (SP) has become significantly divided between the factions of Saseendran and Thomas, with Chacko attempting to navigate both sides.
In a further setback for the party, Chacko dismissed Attukal Aji from his position as district president in a January meeting, appointing Satish Kumar as his temporary replacement. Aji, however, outright refused to follow the state President's orders.
On Wednesday, conflict erupted between supporters of Aji and Kumar, leading to Kumar and his allies being assaulted.
Police arrived on the scene to restore order at the office headquarters.
Thomas K. Thomas, who secured victory from the Kuttanad Assembly constituency in Alappuzha, is the sibling of former state minister Thomas Chandy.
During the 2021 Assembly elections, the state NCP (SP) allocated the Kuttanad Assembly constituency seat to Thomas, which he won by a significant margin. Nevertheless, numerous members within the NCP (SP) believed he should not have been awarded the seat, leading to rifts within the party.
