KPCC orders disciplinary committee inquiry into controversial leak of former DCC president Palode Ravi's private conversation
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, KPCC disciplinary committee chairperson, will head the inquiry.
A Congress insider said the KPCC was concerned about whether the episode signalled the resurgence of factional feuding with an eye on organisational posts ahead of the party's reorganisation exercise before the local body polls.
One-off incident
Mr. Radhakrishnan told The Hindu that organisational infighting was at 'an all-time low' in the party. He said that prima facie, the episode, which arguably put the party leadership on the defensive and provided sensational grist to the ruling front to disparage the Opposition, seemed 'a one-off incident and not an entrenched effort.'
'Yet the investigation will cover all aspects. It will focus on strengthening the party and restoring the morale of the rank and file ahead of the crucial polls. It will not be a fault-apportioning exercise targeted at any particular party worker. I have sought explanations from the parties concerned and will be at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on August 31,' he said.
Earlier, the KPCC had expelled Congress block general secretary A. Jaleel in connection with the episode. The KPCC leadership was reportedly of the view that Mr. Ravi had candidly admitted to a few home truths about the party's election preparedness at the grassroots level, including the perceived lack of boots on the ground and the dearth of ward-level election committees.
Mr. Ravi had also flagged a perceived erosion of the party's traditional Muslim base, which he stated was benefiting the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]. He also signalled that the BJP's ascendancy would come at a steep cost for the Congress, including the loss of workers to poaching by other parties.
Former Speaker N. Sakthan, who replaced Mr. Ravi as the DCC president and assumed charge on Monday (July 28, 2025), said the senior leader possibly lost his guard because he was speaking to a party office-bearer.
Mr. Ravi apologised to the party for his inadvertent lack of circumspection. He said he merely flagged the political perils that lie ahead as was routine in party committees.
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