Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Tensions have reportedly surfaced within the Congress party over the decision to not appoint Abin Varkey as the Kerala state Youth Congress president, following the resignation of Rahul Mamkootathil. While one faction backs Varkey as the most suitable candidate, another group appears to have blocked his elevation.

Hibi Eden questions process, defends Varkey

Congress MP Hibi Eden, speaking to the media in Kochi, expressed disappointment over the decision, pointing out that Varkey, the then vice president of the Youth Congress, was next in line as per internal norms.

“As per the election process that we have, the system is that when the president is removed, the vice president is elevated to that position.

So why was a working president appointed in the YC? Why a general secretary was made president and why Varkey was not made president are things that the All India Youth Congress committee has to answer,” he said.

National Youth Congress president responds

In response, Uday Bhanu Chib, the national president of the Youth Congress, dismissed claims of any fixed rule for succession.

“There was no such system that after a YC president is removed, the vice president takes over that post,” he clarified, citing examples from Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra where similar transitions took place differently.

“I do not think it is a major issue. He (Varkey) is a loyal soldier of the party and he will carry out whatever responsibility is given to him. He has been given an important responsibility. We did what we thought was best for the organisation.”

He added that he would refrain from further comment until speaking directly with Varkey, but emphasised, “No one can take away his right to work for the party in Kerala.”

KPCC chief backs appointment of Janeesh

Sunny Joseph, KPCC president, supported the decision to appoint Janeesh as the Youth Congress state president, adding that Varkey can still contribute significantly while stationed in Kerala.

“Look at K C Venugopal. He is in Kerala and works across India,” Joseph pointed out.

Varkey maintains party loyalty amid disappointment

Earlier in the day, Abin Varkey expressed his wish to remain active in Kerala politics, especially with the local body and assembly elections approaching.

“I have humbly conveyed my interest to the party and will abide by its decision. I am a party person to the core. I live and breathe Congress. I have done everything it has demanded of me and will continue to do so.

“I will never go against the party’s decision nor will I say a word contrary to it. I will not do anything that will tarnish its image. So, I am not challenging, I am only requesting.”

While he acknowledged his earlier reluctance to accept a national-level post, he downplayed the issue, “No position was unimportant. I can work for the party even without a post.”

Asked whether he felt sidelined despite securing the second-highest votes in the Youth Congress elections, Varkey replied, “The party must have taken the decision after considering various factors and I accept it.”

He also noted that senior leaders had communicated their concerns to the party’s national leadership.

“Everyone in the party has the right to express their views, unlike other political organisations.”

Factional discontent brewing within Congress

According to party insiders, both the A and I factions are reportedly unhappy with the exclusion of Abin Varkey and Abhijith, two of the most popular faces in the Youth Congress, from top state positions.

Sources claim that the appointments were made unilaterally, disregarding the opinions of key state leaders and grassroots workers. There are indications that these factions may formally petition the Congress High Command, warning that the current approach could damage the party's prospects in the lead-up to the assembly elections.

PTI