Investigation – Congress Seeks Report After BJP Event at Party-Owned Kerala Institute
Investigation – The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has initiated an internal review after a BJP study camp was conducted at a Congress-owned research and training institute in Neyyar Dam, leading to widespread discussion within the party. The incident has prompted the state leadership to seek a detailed explanation from those responsible for managing the institution.
KPCC Orders Internal Clarification
The controversy emerged after the auditorium of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies was hired for a two-day study programme organised by the BJP’s Kattakkada Assembly constituency committee on June 27 and 28. The event was inaugurated by BJP state vice-president and former IPS officer R. Sreelekha.
Following the programme, Congress workers questioned how a facility established to support the party’s research, political education and policy discussions could be used for an event organised by a rival political party. The issue quickly gained attention within party circles, prompting the KPCC leadership to intervene.
Party Leadership Examining Decision-Making Process
In response to concerns raised by party members, the KPCC General Secretary has formally requested an explanation from the officials overseeing the institute. According to party sources, the leadership intends to determine whether the booking was approved through proper procedures or if the decision was taken without prior consultation with the organisation.
The explanation submitted by the institute’s management will be examined before any further action is considered. Party insiders indicated that disciplinary measures could be taken if procedural violations are found during the review.
Institute Defends Hall Rental Policy
Officials associated with the institute have maintained that there was no departure from existing practice while accepting the booking. They stated that the conference hall is regularly rented to different organisations and institutions without considering their political affiliation.
According to the management, the BJP programme was processed under the same rental guidelines that have been followed for other events over the years. They argued that the decision was administrative in nature and not intended to convey political support for any organisation.
Background of the Congress-Owned Institution
The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies was established when the current Kerala Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, served as KPCC president. The institute was created as the Congress party’s dedicated centre for policy research, leadership training and political education.
Designed along the lines of the CPI(M)’s EMS Academy, the institution has hosted numerous Congress organisational meetings, leadership workshops, seminars and strategic discussions. It has also served as the venue for semi-cadre training programmes introduced during the tenure of former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, along with important meetings related to the formation of Congress Unit Committees.
Leadership Oversight Comes Under Discussion
Under the institute’s governing structure, the serving KPCC president automatically functions as its chairperson. The position is currently held by Sunny Joseph.
However, some party members believe organisational supervision over affiliated institutions has weakened in recent months after the KPCC leadership assumed additional ministerial responsibilities. They argue that stronger administrative monitoring could help avoid similar situations in the future.
Political Reactions Continue
The issue has also attracted political attention beyond the Congress party. The CPI(M) criticised the development, claiming it reflected what it described as an understanding between the BJP and the Congress. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership has focused on completing its internal inquiry before drawing conclusions or announcing any disciplinary decisions.