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**Summary:**

The Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) has expelled Sheeba Surom, a Congress councillor for the Thoppumpady division, citing “anti-party activities.” The DCC claims she has a history of not attending party functions, acting against the party’s interests, and even voting against the party line in committee elections. Surom claims she is unaware of the expulsion and has received no official communication. The UDF parliamentary leader alleges that Surom has been intentionally undermining the party, especially concerning discrepancies in the voters list, and collaborating with the CPI(M). The expulsion comes as local body polls are approaching.

**News Article:**

**Congress Councillor Expelled in Ernakulam Amid Allegations of Anti-Party Activities**

**KOCHI, August 1, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) has expelled Sheeba Surom, the Congress councillor representing the Thoppumpady division of the Kochi Corporation. The move, announced on Wednesday (July 30, 2025), is attributed to “anti-party activities,” according to a letter issued by DCC president Mohammed Shiyas.

The DCC alleges Surom has consistently disregarded party directives, including neglecting to attend party functions and acting against the party’s overall interests. A previous notice had reportedly been issued to Surom regarding these issues.

However, Surom claims she is unaware of the expulsion, stating she has received no official notification or communication from the party leadership.

M.G. Aristotle, the UDF parliamentary leader in the Kochi Corporation, has provided further context. He alleged that Surom had previously been suspended for six months for an invalid vote during an election to the education standing committee, suggesting it was a deliberate act against the party’s interests. Aristotle further stated that Surom has been repeatedly skipping meetings and, critically, “is not following the party line and is working in favour of the CPI(M).” He specifically pointed to the ongoing efforts to highlight discrepancies in the draft voters’ list.

The DCC president’s decision to dismiss Surom appears aimed at preventing her from falsely representing the Congress party while allegedly acting in opposition to its goals. This expulsion comes at a crucial time, with local body polls approaching, making the political dynamics within the Kochi Corporation increasingly sensitive.

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