Major Conspiracy Behind Mattathur Congress Defection; Evidence of Congress–BJP Deal Emerges

Thrissur: The mass resignation of Congress members and their defection to the BJP in Mattathur Grama Panchayat in Thrissur has been alleged to be part of a major conspiracy jointly orchestrated by the two parties. The move was aimed at keeping the LDF out of power in the panchayat, with an understanding reportedly reached earlier between the Congress and the BJP.

K R Ouseph, who was elected as an independent member, revealed that senior Congress leaders, including DCC General Secretary T M Chandran, had promised him the panchayat presidency with BJP support if he joined hands with them. Ouseph made these revelations at a press conference and also released CCTV visuals showing Congress leaders visiting his house for discussions.

According to Ouseph, Congress leaders came to his residence on the night of the 23rd and urged him to support their move, assuring him that he would be made president. When he questioned how the UDF could secure a majority in the 24-member panchayat even with his support, the leaders allegedly disclosed that the four BJP members would also back them.

Ouseph said he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that he could not join hands with a communal party like the BJP. He added that he had received votes from minority communities as well and could not betray their trust. Following his refusal, the UDF completely sidelined him, after which Congress members resigned en masse ahead of the panchayat presidential election and joined the BJP to seize power, he alleged.

There were earlier indications that the Congress members’ move to align with the BJP in Mattathur had the knowledge of the KPCC leadership. Ouseph’s disclosures have further strengthened these claims. Some local Congress leaders have even publicly alleged that crores of rupees were accepted under the leadership of DCC General Secretary T M Chandran to facilitate the BJP’s rise to power. Opposition Leader V D Satheesan had also recently come out in defence of those who aligned with the BJP.

In the 24-member Mattathur panchayat committee, the Congress had eight members. Those elected after contesting under the banner of the Congress party resigned from the party and, along with four BJP members, formed the ruling front. Tessy Jose Kallarackal, who won as a Congress rebel candidate, was elected president, while Congress member P U Noorjahan, became vice-president with BJP support. Neither has resigned from their positions so far.