The confusion surrounding a possible reunification of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions appears to be taking a toll on the party’s grassroots presence in Kerala.
In a significant development, the entire district committee of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)] in Pathanamthitta has disbanded and joined the Kerala Congress led by P.J. Joseph. Led by district president Jiji Vattasseril, several key leaders including district secretary Muhammad Sali, Ranjith P. Chacko, P.M. Muralidharan, Sujo Varghese, and Nationalist Youth Congress (NCP-SP) State general secretary Nizam Mohammed are set to leave the party.
According to Mr. Vattasseril, the decision was taken unanimously by the district committee after detailed deliberations. He alleged that the present functioning of the NCP (SP) was “disappointing” and that, despite being part of the ruling front, the party had failed to deliver any tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
Holding that the organisational uncertainty at the national level was also reflected at the State level, he also claimed that the party lacked internal democracy and respect for district-level leadership.
“As district president, when decisions are taken collectively by the district committee, the top leadership either ignores them or acts without basic political understanding,” he said, while also accusing senior NCP leader and Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran of failing to address the growing threat posed by wild animals.
Similar exits
He also claimed that similar resignations were taking place in other districts, including Kannur, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram.
Stressing that the move was not driven by the lure of positions, Mr. Vattasseril said the decision was taken in the interest of grassroots workers, farmers, traders, and the common people who had been supporting them. “We are leaving a ruling party not for posts, but to uphold the dignity of our workers and the people who stand with us,” he said.
Published – February 17, 2026 05:56 pm IST
