KPCC moves to settle Chirayinkeezhu dispute; no action likely against Ramya Haridas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership is taking steps to resolve the controversy involving Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas, which has put the party in an embarrassing position. The issue is likely to be closed with the suspension of two people.

The KPCC may also direct that former personal assistant Palayam Pradeep should not interfere in the MLA's activities. According to sources, no action is likely to be taken against Ramya Haridas.

The inquiry committee headed by M.M. Hassan conducted a hearing at Indira Bhavan. Ramya Haridas, who did not appear before the committee, was in Palakkad on Sunday. She reportedly gave her statement over the phone. She had earlier informed the committee that she could not attend the hearing because she was in Delhi.

The committee will submit its report to KPCC president Sunny Joseph after hearing Ramya's explanation as well. When asked about her absence from the hearing, Sunny Joseph said yesterday that the matter should be raised with the inquiry committee itself.

Meanwhile, Palayam Pradeep told the media that allegations that Ramya Haridas was avoiding the inquiry by not appearing before the committee were untrue.

Pradeep said the meeting in Chirayinkeezhu, which he was alleged to have attended, was not an official party programme. He said he had visited Sajad's house several times and that an argument broke out during a conversation with him. According to Pradeep, the dispute was the result of a misunderstanding and could be resolved within the party. He also denied behaving improperly towards Sajad's wife or daughter.