Expelled Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan, also known as Mamkootathil, was met with loud protests and black flag demonstrations as he arrived at a private hospital in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, on Monday. The scene turned tense, requiring a significant police presence to manage the situation and ensure no violence erupted.
Hospital Visit Sparks Political Confrontation
The incident occurred at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam district. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, the expelled Congress MLA from the Muvattupuzha constituency, had gone to the medical facility to visit a relative who was admitted there. However, his arrival was anticipated by a group of Youth Congress workers, who had gathered to stage a protest against him.
The protesters, waving black flags, raised slogans and attempted to block the former Congress leader's way. They expressed their strong opposition to his actions and his current political stance following his expulsion from the party. The situation demanded immediate intervention from the law enforcement officers present at the spot to create a barrier between the MLA and the agitators.
Background of the Expulsion and Tensions
The root of this public confrontation lies in the internal turmoil within the Kerala Congress unit. Mathew Kuzhalnadan was expelled from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress for six years on March 29. The disciplinary action was taken by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) following allegations of "anti-party activities."
His expulsion came after he made several critical statements against senior party leaders, including former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan. This open rebellion against the state leadership was deemed unacceptable, leading to the harsh disciplinary measure. Since his removal, the political atmosphere in his constituency has been charged, culminating in the hospital protest.
A large police team was deployed at the hospital premises to prevent the protest from escalating into a physical altercation. The officers successfully managed the crowd and allowed Kuzhalnadan to enter and exit the hospital without any major incident, although the symbolic protest was completed.
Political Repercussions and Local Reaction
This event highlights the deepening rift within the Congress party in Kerala and showcases how internal disciplinary decisions can spill onto the streets. The protest by the Youth Congress, the party's youth wing, signals the ongoing resentment among cadre against leaders perceived as damaging the party's unity.
Local residents and political observers in Muvattupuzha are watching the developments closely. The spectacle of a former MLA being protested by workers of his own former party at a public place like a hospital underscores the intense personal and political fallout of the expulsion. It raises questions about the future political trajectory of Kuzhalnadan and the Congress's strategy to manage dissent in its ranks.
The incident, occurring on April 1, serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of political expulsion are not confined to committee rooms but manifest in real-world confrontations, requiring police intervention to maintain public order.
