Thiruvananthapuram | The KPCC on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to party leader A Prijin Babu over a full-page write-up on senior leader Ramesh Chennithala published in an English newspaper.
The write-up came as a personal view of Babu on Chennithala. Though Babu denied it was a paid advertisement, it was seen by many as an advertorial.
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee's (KPCC) action came amidst the ongoing row inside the grand-old party over projecting a chief ministerial candidate in the state, where the results of the Assembly polls would be announced on May 4.
Acting on the direction of KPCC president Sunny Joseph, the notice was served to Babu, a DCC general secretary here, by party general secretary (organisation) Neyyattinkara Sanal, according to a statement.
The KPCC said the move was in violation of clear instructions issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the state unit, which barred leaders and workers from making public statements through print, visual, or social media platforms that could bring disrepute to the party, particularly on matters related to leadership decisions after elections.
Party leadership had recently cautioned against public remarks and campaigns linked to the chief ministerial candidate issue, as internal discussions on the matter continue.
Prijin Babu's action was found to be in direct contravention of these guidelines, the KPCC said, adding that he has been asked to submit a detailed explanation within three days of receiving the notice.
Failure to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time would invite further disciplinary action, the KPCC warned.
Responding to the development, Prijin Babu said he had not committed any wrongdoing and would provide an explanation to the party leadership.
He also clarified that the feature was not a paid advertisement and denied acting against the party's interests.
The leader said he had published a similar feature on Ramesh Chennithala when he became the president of the KPCC years ago.
He further stated that Chennithala contacted him after the new feature was published and conveyed concerns regarding its timing.