Kerala: P Sarin, head of Congress digital media cell, expelled; may join LDF

P Sarin, who was considered to be a frontrunner for the Palakkad bypoll, criticised the Congress’s decision to field Rahul Mamkootathil

KOCHI: The Congress in Kerala on Thursday expelled P Sarin, convenor of its digital media cell and former Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) officer, for indulging in “anti-party activities and violating party discipline” after he criticised the party leadership for its choice of candidate for the Palakkad Assembly bypoll.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee said P Sarin was being expelled due to serious anti-party activities and indiscipline. (X/drsarinp)

Sarin, a native of Thiruvilwamala in the Thrissur district, was among the frontrunners in the candidacy in Palakkad. On Thursday, he confirmed that he was looking at the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

“I have asked the LDF if there is a place in it for me. If they say there is, I will go,” he said.

Sarin, who trained as a doctor before joining the civil services, lashed out at Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan at a press conference in Palakkad on Thursday, holding him “responsible for weakening the democratic principles within the party” and calling him an “autocrat who has hijacked the party”.

Sarin said Satheesan believes “he is the party”. He, however, praised other Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala and the late Oommen Chandy,

The CPM, which is yet to declare its candidate in Palakkad, may choose Sarin as its nominee. Its district secretary said Sarin was ‘not unfit’ to be a candidate.