Dalit Organisations Oppose Ramya Haridas in Chirayinkeezhu, Demand Ticket for Leena

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid growing criticism over the possible candidature of Ramya Haridas in the Chirayinkeezhu constituency, several Dalit organisations have demanded that Congress field Leena instead.

Leena, a member of the KPCC and a former general secretary of the Youth Congress, has been associated with the Congress party for over 22 years, according to the organisations backing her. They also pointed out that she has faced 153 cases as part of political activism.

Leaders of Dalit organisations argued that fielding Ramya Haridas would be unacceptable, stating that the party should not nominate a candidate who has previously lost elections. They also insisted that a candidate from outside the district should not be imposed on the constituency.

According to them, giving the ticket to Ramya Haridas would amount to insulting Dalit activists, as several local leaders from Dalit communities who have actively participated in protests and political struggles in Thiruvananthapuram are being overlooked despite the constituency being a reserved seat.

Party insiders noted that similar protests had earlier emerged within the Congress when the leadership considered Ramya Haridas as a candidate. Critics allege that ignoring the concerns of local leaders and pushing her candidature could be driven by personal interests rather than grassroots considerations.