The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) was once again plunged into a deep crisis on Saturday as its Eravipuram mandalam secretary N. Naushad resigned in protest following the official announcement of Vishnu Mohan as the party’s candidate for the Eravipuram Assembly seat.
The resignation marks a dramatic escalation in an internal feud that has pushed the party to a breaking point. The conflict centres on the nomination of Karthik Premachandran, son of Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran. While a significant section of the party viewed Mr. Karthik as a high-velocity candidate with the “winnability” factor needed to reclaim the stronghold, a rival faction led by senior leader Shibu Baby John reportedly vetoed the move.
The State committee meeting held on February 27 saw heated arguments and a fundamental clash between the party’s traditional power centres. Critics of Mr. Karthik’s candidacy decried the proposal as “dynasty politics,” arguing that fielding a newcomer over seasoned grassroots workers would demoralise the cadre.
‘A compromise candidate’
Speaking on his resignation, Mr. Naushad dismissed Vishnu Mohan as a compromise candidate with “hardly any chance of winning.” Many view the move as a direct insult to the sentiments of the local workers.
