Appointment of BJP leader’s sister in welfare board triggers row in Palakkad Congress

A temporary appointment given to the sister of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader at the Kerala Agricultural Workers’ Welfare Fund Board has triggered a controversy within the Congress in Palakkad, with party workers alleging that some senior leaders helped secure the job.

Aishwarya, sister of Ashwathy Manikandan, Palakkad district secretary of the BJP’s Mahila Morcha, was appointed to the board on a temporary basis.

Congress workers have questioned the appointment, alleging that some party leaders are helping BJP leaders and their relatives secure jobs and other benefits. They said Congress workers who served the party for years, took part in agitations and faced legal cases were being ignored.

A section of workers said the party leadership had failed to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of its grassroots workers. They demanded that the appointment be cancelled and that deserving party workers not be overlooked.

Submits complaints

Palakkad block Congress leaders have submitted complaints to the Chief Minister, KPCC president and District Congress Committee (DCC) president, seeking an inquiry into the appointment. They have asked the party leadership to examine whether the prescribed procedures were followed and eligible candidates were considered.

DCC president A. Thankappan confirmed that he had received the complaint and said it was being examined. He said he would intervene if any irregularities or violations of norms were found in the appointment process.

Mr. Thankappan said the complaint did not name anyone. He also said it was unlikely that the Congress leaders would recommend candidates belonging to the BJP. He maintained that he would not recommend BJP workers for appointments, regardless of personal relationships.

The issue has brought fresh tensions within the Palakkad Congress, with party workers questioning the leadership’s priorities and the alleged preference shown to people linked to the BJP.

Published - November 15, 2026 08:32 pm IST