Thiruvananthapuram, 4 May (H.S.): Controversial Non-Resident Indian businessman C.C. Thampi, based in Ajman, UAE, is reportedly advocating for his nominee for the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidency. Known for his close association with Robert Vadra, Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, Thampi is once again in the spotlight following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) reaffirmation of his connections with Vadra in a recent chargesheet. Sources within the Kerala Congress indicate that Priyanka Gandhi has publicly endorsed Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony for the KPCC role, a move viewed as influenced by Thampi.
Current KPCC president K. Sudhakaran recently led Congress to a significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 19 out of 20 seats in Kerala. Senior leaders like K. Muraleedharan and Shashi Tharoor support Sudhakaran, opposing any leadership changes amid upcoming local body elections. Muraleedharan further critiqued Antony, suggesting that a viable candidate for KPCC president should be recognized by party members.
Thampi’s dealings are perceived as pivotal, leveraging his influential connections within the Congress hierarchy to promote Antony, who is regarded as a less prominent figure outside Pathanamthitta. Thampi’s ascent began in the UAE during the 1970s, leading to ventures that significantly expanded his influence, including the establishment of Thejus Engineering College in Thrissur.
Thampi gained national attention in 2009 when the CBI began investigating him for allegedly obtaining AICTE approval for his engineering college improperly. Although the case was eventually closed, he continued to face scrutiny. In 2012, the ED and Income Tax authorities began monitoring his finances, leading to a notice under FEMA which Thampi contested in the Kerala High Court, only to have his petition dismissed in 2016. In 2017, he received more summons regarding payments of Rs 288 crore and was briefly detained by the ED in December 2016 before being released. The CBI reopened the AICTE case in August 2018, filing a chargesheet.
Additionally, Thampi’s connections with Robert Vadra have drawn attention, particularly as Vadra faced questioning by the ED over a 2008 land deal. Vadra labeled the inquiries as politically motivated. In a separate investigation, the ED filed a prosecution complaint against Thampi and U.K.-based Sumit Chadha, linking them to arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, alleging money laundering and concealment of assets.
Within the Congress party, Thampi’s influence is deemed concerning, particularly regarding key decisions like the KPCC presidency, leveraging his ties to the Gandhi-Vadra family. Senior Kerala Congress leaders are wary that altering leadership, particularly after a strong electoral victory, may provoke internal dissent and weaken party unity ahead of crucial local elections.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
