Congress workers are protesting outside the Thrissur DCC office over the appointment of Mathilakam block president

Thrissur DCC President Joseph Tajet

Tension erupted at the Thrissur Congress on Monday (22 June 2026) when a section of party workers staged a protest outside the District Congress Committee (DCC) office against the appointment of a new mandalam president in Mathilakam.

The protest was sparked by the appointment of VM Hasan, who had previously faced party disciplinary proceedings and the workers were said not to be actively involved in party activities. Protesters called the decision unacceptable.

They also demanded the reinstatement of former DCC secretary Chandran TM Kallupparambila, who was removed from the party during the local polls.

Protesters raised slogans against DCC President Joseph Tajeta and held placards demanding his removal. Although they brought an effigy of the DCC president to the protest site, they did not burn it.

The workers have warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will intensify their agitation and start a protest outside the KPCC headquarters from July 1.

Reacting to the development, Mr Tajet dismissed the protest and claimed that those who staged the sit-in had no connection with the party. He alleged that some of them had links with the BJP during the last local body elections.

Mr Tajet said the Mathilakam appointment was a routine organizational decision and that any complaints should be formally communicated to the party leadership. He accused the protesters of trying to defame the party in public and creating an impression of factionalism.

After ending the “sponsored” agitation, he warned that strict action would be taken against those violating party discipline and said that genuine Congress workers would not resort to such public protests.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 20:04 IST