Palakkad: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Digital Media Cell Convener Dr P Sarin is set to address the media again at 11.45 am on Thursday, following his sharp criticism of the Congress party’s choice of candidate for the upcoming Palakkad assembly by-election. Speaking to Manorama News on Thursday, Sarin remarked, “I was a Congressman till yesterday, but it seems like the Congress doesn’t need me anymore.” He also confirmed that no one from the party had contacted him so far. The CPM has expressed its desire to rope in Sarin to the party.
On Wednesday, Sarin publicly criticised the party for its decision to nominate Rahul Mamkoottathil as the candidate for the Palakkad bypoll, suggesting the process lacked adequate consultation. “The party should have engaged in discussions before arriving at a decision. Why couldn’t they choose someone who appeals to everyone? I would have accepted Rahul Mamkoottathil’s candidacy if it was decided through proper review, but that didn’t happen. Posting Instagram reels isn’t enough, and sacrifice goes beyond getting arrested. You need to guide society in the right direction,” Sarin said. He also commented on the CPM's political influence, acknowledging that the party’s ability to win elections—even under less favorable circumstances—demonstrates their political strength.
Meanwhile, Nilambur MLA PV Anvar, who recently parted ways with the CPM, met Sarin at Thiruvilwamala. This meeting sparked speculation about Sarin’s next move, with reports suggesting Anvar had proposed Sarin as a candidate backed by his new outfit, the Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK), in the Palakkad bypoll.
However, sources close to Anwar indicated that his main objective was to prevent Sarin from contesting as an independent candidate supported by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). Sarin’s rebellion within the Congress, fuelled by his opposition to Mamkoottathil’s candidacy, has added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama in Palakkad.