Tensions in Bathery as Congress Workers Target N M Vijayan’s Family During Protest

Sulthan Bathery: Tensions escalated in Sulthan Bathery after members of Congress party verbally abused and made obscene gestures toward N M Vijayan's family protesting against the candidacy of I C Balakrishnan.

The protest, staged at the town’s open ground on Tuesday morning, was led by the family of N M Vijayan. Around 12.30 pm, Congress workers participating in a roadshow for Balakrishnan shouted slogans, made derogatory remarks, and displayed obscene gestures at the protesters. Participants in a bike rally were also reported to have engaged in similar behaviour.

Vijayan’s son Vijeesh, daughter-in-law Padmaja, and other family members are on a hunger strike demanding justice. They have accused Balakrishnan of being responsible for the deaths of Vijayan and his younger son, alleging betrayal and financial exploitation. A banner displayed at the protest read: “Our father and brother were deceived and driven to death by I C Balakrishnan—fasting for justice.”

The family had earlier stated that they would begin their protest on the day Priyanka Gandhi visited Bathery for election campaigning. They also claimed to have directly appealed to her to deny Balakrishnan a ticket, alleging that she had assured them of justice—an assurance they say was not fulfilled.

Congress party members verbally abusing N M Vijayan's family

The controversy stems from allegations that, during his tenure as Wayanad DCC president, Balakrishnan was involved in a job-for-bribe scam linked to cooperative banks under party control. Vijayan, who served as a party treasurer, was allegedly used as an intermediary in collecting money, which the family claims was later misappropriated by Balakrishnan, leaving Vijayan burdened with debt.

The resulting financial distress and mental trauma are cited by the family as reasons behind the suicides of Vijayan and his son Jijesh.

Balakrishnan is currently listed as the first accused in cases related to abetment of suicide and a vigilance probe into the alleged recruitment scam. The family claims that Vijayan’s suicide note also mentions the alleged financial misconduct.