Cong defers internal elections in six states
Leaders suspended from the party for slaughtering a calf in public in Kannur
The Congress on Tuesday decided to defer its organisational elections in the six states that are going to polls in the next 10 months .
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three Youth Congress leaders suspended from the party for slaughtering a calf in public in Kerala have expressed regret for their action, but accused rival BJP and CPI(M) supporters of more heinous crimes, including murder.
“We admit it was a big mistake and we are ready to suffer for it. But at the same time, people should be aware of those who lynch poor in the name of keeping beef and execute their opponents in broad daylight,” Rijil Makutty told HT on Tuesday.
Makutty, Josey Kandathil andK Sharafuddin slaughtered a calf in Kannur last weekend in protest against Centre’s decision to impose new restrictions o n the trade of cattle meant for slaughter. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi dubbed their protest as “thoughtless and barbaric”.
“It was an instant reaction. We apologise to those who are really pained over our action. It is sad it brought enough damage to the party,” said Josy Kandathil, the Youth Congress state secretary. But the three said those criticising them also included people who killed political opponents publicly.
“At times after barging into their opponents’ home, they stab rivals before their rela- tives. People are yet to forget 51 stab wounds on TP Chandrasekharan,” Rejil said, referring to the killing of a rebel CPI(M) leader in 2012.
Kannur in north Kerala has been the site of unremitting violence between the CPI(M) and RSS with both sides accused of tit-for-tat killings.
Rejil had unsuccessfully contested against CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan in 2011 from Thalasserry constituency, after being handpicked by Gandhi. All three were student leaders and are known to be close to former MP K Sudhakaran.
They said it was their urge to do “something different” to register their protest landed them in trouble.
They dismissed the idea of holding a beef festival as it had become too common.
The three said they had procured the calf from an abattoir and had got its butcher to accompany them.
“The professional butcher did the job. Many are spreading canards we slaughtered the calf,” Rejil added.