Congress has entered damage control mode following the political fallout from Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan’s remarks, perceived as an attempt to “whitewash” Jamaat-e-Islami, which has stirred controversy in Nilambur. With the issue gaining traction ahead of Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi’s visit to Nilambur, KPCC President Sunny Joseph is reaching out to influential community leaders.
Sunny Joseph, known for his proximity to Thamarassery Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil, met the bishop on Friday, days after the Catholic Congress under the Thamarassery Diocese strongly criticized the Congress-Welfare Party alliance. Reports suggest the KPCC chief explained the party’s stance and sought the Church's support He also engaged in talks with Catholic Congress leaders and met Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, president of Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, on Thursday.
Within the UDF, there is discontent over Satheesan’s remarks, which many believe handed both the CPM and BJP a potent issue that could have broader implications, including at the national level. In response, the Congress leadership has opted to avoid public discussions on its association with Jamaat-e-Islami and the Welfare Party.
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal’s deflection of questions on the controversy, along with senior leader K. Muraleedharan’s efforts to downplay it, are part of a broader strategy to steer focus back to the LDF’s governance record. However, concerns remain that the row has undercut the impact of Venugopal’s recent criticism of the Chief Minister’s alleged anti-Malappuram remarks.
