Congress Mandalam President Resigns, Cites Bribery Demands and Communal Remarks

Palakkad: Riyas Thachanpara, the former Congress Mandalam President of Thachanpara, announced his resignation from the party at a press conference, citing deep humiliation and financial exploitation by the leadership.

Riyas, whose mother serves as the district vice president of the Mahila Congress (the women’s wing of the Congress) and whose daughter is an activist with the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the party, said he could no longer remain with the Congress. He also accused District Congress Committee (DCC) president A. Thankappan of making communal remarks and financial corruption.

Riyas was recently expelled from the party over an allegation related to insulting a woman in front of a State Bank of India branch. The woman in question is the daughter of a 70-year-old man who had allegedly molested a young girl. Riyas had reported the incident to the police, and the accused was remanded.

Following his expulsion, Riyas held a press conference and claimed that the real reason for his removal was his refusal to pay a bribe. According to him, two attender posts had opened at the UDF (United Democratic Front — a coalition led by the Congress in Kerala)-controlled Thachanpara Service Cooperative Bank — one each for the Congress and the IUML (Indian Union Muslim League). When the Congress nominee was selected, Riyas alleged that the DCC president demanded a contribution of Rs. 4 lakh to the party.

When Riyas asked if the money would be deposited in the party’s name, the DCC president allegedly replied, “I’m not here to be fooled.” The DCC president later reduced the demand to Rs. 2 lakh, suggesting that the interest from a fixed deposit would be used for party activities. When Riyas refused, he claimed he was slapped with two false police cases.

He also alleged that bribes are mandatory for holding posts within the party. To become a Mandalam president in Congress-controlled regions, he claimed a payment of Rs. 50,000 to the DCC president is expected. In less influential areas, the rate is Rs. 10,000. Even leaders of feeder organizations allegedly have to pay to get their positions. Riyas said some Mandalam presidents had taken loans to make these payments.

He concluded the press conference by announcing his decision to join the Communist Party of India (Marxist), appearing alongside CPI(M) district secretary E.N. Sureshbabu.