Deceased DCC treasurer’s in-law attempts suicide, worsening Wayanad Congress crisis after two deaths

Wayanad, Kerala: In a development that has intensified the crisis within the Congress’ Kerala unit in Wayanad, Padmaja, daughter-in-law of former Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC) Treasurer N.M. Vijayan, attempted suicide on Saturday by allegedly slitting her wrist.

She was admitted to a private hospital in Bathery. Police said her condition is stable and the injuries are not life-threatening.

Family speaks of despair

Padmaja’s elder son described the family’s anguish: "First the family lost my grandfather (N.M. Vijayan) and due to all the issues my father is now sick. Now my mother is also affected. I have two siblings and how are we going to go forward, we do not know."

Congress leadership responds

N.D. Appachen, Wayanad District Congress President, said the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) had fulfilled its promise to Padmaja, referring to the Rs 20 lakh given to her.

"But she (Padmaja) is demanding crores of rupees from the Congress. We feel the CPM and the BJP is playing behind the scenes. The KPCC will always keep its word. As part of the assurances given by the KPCC, things are being done," Appachen added.

Suicide note raises alarm

A suicide note recovered at the scene read: "Murderous Congress, here is one more victim for you."

The attempt came just a day after Padmaja publicly accused Congress leadership of failing to honour promises made to Vijayan’s family following his suicide over mounting debts.

Allegations of betrayal and unpaid dues

Padmaja said: "Congress betrayed us again. I have lost faith in the party organisation. They kill the sincere and allow thieves to roam around in white clothes. Even when my husband was in the hospital, we did not have money to pay his bills. The party is killing those who trust it. We don't need Congress' charity anymore."

According to her, Vijayan had left debts of Rs 2.5 crore. While Congress leaders initially promised to settle the liabilities, only Rs 20 lakh has been disbursed so far.

She alleged that Congress MLA T. Siddique had signed an agreement promising repayment but later backed out. "When I went to the lawyer's office to complete the contract, Siddique got angry," she claimed.

The family now plans to petition Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the Congress subcommittee formed to address their grievances had ignored their issues.

Previous suicides and internal rifts

Earlier, N.M. Vijayan died by suicide, with his note levelling serious allegations against Congress. Some of the leaders named in the letter were subsequently booked.

The latest attempt comes as Jose Nalladam, Congress leader and ward member of Mullankolly panchayat, was found dead in a pond near his residence. Reports said he died by suicide. Jose was one of the accused in a case involving the framing of Pulppally Congress ward committee president Kanattumala Thankachan.

The latest attempt highlights internal rifts and unrest within Wayanad Congress. Local Congress strongholds are reportedly led by regional groups rather than state committees, creating ongoing challenges for party unity.

(Suicide is not a solution. Seek help from mental health professionals. For support, call: 1056.)