Wayanad DCC president ‘manhandled’ by workers during seminar

N.D. Appachan, president of the Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC), was allegedly manhandled by his party workers during a development seminar held at Mullankolli on Saturday (July 12, 2025). The meeting was held ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

Mr. Appachan, however, told the media later that there was no manhandling, but some altercations had happened among the participants. He also alleged that “some goondas” had tried to disrupt the seminar.

According to reports, a section of the participants, who owe allegiance to I.C. Balakrishnan, Sulthan Bathery MLA, and K.L. Poulose, executive committee member, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, sought a change in leadership of the ‘mandalam’ committee. This, however, led to arguments between two groups and pushing and shoving among themselves. It is also reported that another DCC functionary sustained minor injuries during the melee. Both Mr. Balakrishnan and Mr. Poulose were conspicuous by their absence at the seminar.