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Congress Infighting Erupts in Kochi Over Mayoral Candidate Selection

KOCHI, Kerala – Deepthi Mary Varghese, a prominent leader within the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), is publicly criticizing the Congress party’s selection process for mayoral candidates in the Kochi Corporation. Varghese, a two-time councillor who was passed over for the mayoral post, alleges that KPCC guidelines were violated.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Varghese claimed that the opinions of Congress councillors weren’t properly considered and a KPCC observer was absent during the selection process, directly contradicting statements made by Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) president Muhammed Shiyas. She implied that Shiyas may not have fully understood the KPCC circular governing the selection.

Varghese also challenged Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan to explain why the initial plan for her to lead the party’s campaign to reclaim power in the Corporation was changed. She said she believes many councillors would have supported her candidacy had a confidential and impartial opinion-gathering process been followed.

Responding to questions about potential community influence in the selection, Varghese stated it was the KPCC’s responsibility to ensure the party’s secular values were upheld. While denying knowledge of any conspiracy against her, she emphasized she was not offered and isn’t interested in any alternative positions. Despite the controversy, Varghese pledged her support to the chosen mayoral candidates. The KPCC has yet to officially respond to Varghese’s allegations.

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