Discontent in the Youth Congress over the selection of the Youth Congress (YC) state president seems to be escalating into a full-blown confrontation, with Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen openly criticizing the party leadership over his removal from organizational posts.
“Abin Varkey was a meritorious individual and served this party for a long time. The decision to send him to the national leadership should have been made after consulting him. Everyone knows why he did not become the president of the Youth Congress. I will not reveal it now, but one day I will,” Oommen told the media on Thursday.
Interestingly, Mr. Oommen’s remarks came on a day when newly appointed Youth Congress president OJ Janeesh visited late Congress leader Oommen Chandy’s tomb in Puthuppally to pay his respects before formally assuming the charge.
Party sources said the outburst points to a long-standing conflict between Mr. Oommen and the duo of Shafi Parambil and Rahul Mamkootathil, which began after Mr. Oommen was relieved of his duties in the Youth Congress’ national exit cell.
Mr Oommen believes the decision was influenced by a report submitted by Mr Mamkootathil to the national leadership shortly after he assumed the office of Youth Congress President in November 2023.
YC sources said Mr Oommen faced humiliation when he was removed from his post without explanation on the anniversary of his father’s death. He is said to have learned of his expulsion only after he was removed from the WhatsApp group for the Outreach Cell.
Political observers note that Mr. Oommen’s attack on the leadership has several political dimensions. With the group led by Mr Parambil allegedly getting closer to KC Venugopal, they fear further censure within the party, they pointed out.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 19:56 IST
