CPM Expels Former MLA P K Sasi Following Public Criticism of District Leadership
In a swift disciplinary move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expelled former MLA P K Sasi from the party on Thursday. This action came shortly after Sasi delivered a scathing critique of the CPM's Palakkad district leadership during a convention of dissidents held at Chandranagar.
Expulsion Announced by District Secretary
CPM district secretary E N Suresh Babu officially announced the party's decision to expel Sasi. The announcement followed Sasi's inauguration of the dissident convention, which attracted hundreds of individuals who had previously distanced themselves from the party in the Palakkad region.
Sasi, who recently resigned from his position as chairman of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), is reportedly preparing to contest the upcoming assembly election from the Ottapalam constituency as an independent candidate. The former Shoranur MLA had been demoted from the district committee to the branch level earlier in 2024.
Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct
During his address at the convention, Sasi launched severe accusations against the party's district leadership. He claimed that the gathering consisted of "revolutionary communists who did not surrender their spirit and who uphold self-respect and dignity," rather than merely a group of rebels.
Sasi asserted that attendees were forced into this situation due to prevailing circumstances. He highlighted alleged corruption and involvement in illegal spirit trade by certain party leaders in Palakkad over the past five years. "I don't want to explain all those corrupt acts here," he stated, pointing to specific misconduct.
He further alleged that a prime accused in a spirit smuggling case had been elevated to the party's district leadership. According to Sasi, individuals who raised their voices against illegal activities or took strong stands for truth and the party faced disciplinary actions, including suspension, demotion, and termination.
Criticism of Fund Collection and Leadership
Sasi also criticized the party's fund collection practices during elections, noting, "I don't remember a period when such fund collection drives were held before." He claimed that some sincere party leaders even lost their jobs for standing up for the party's principles.
In a direct attack, Sasi labeled district secretary E N Suresh Babu as a "spirit trader" and accused him of raising false allegations against leaders in various party committees, leading to their demotion or suspension. Sasi added that seven district committee members had expressed support for the dissidents and planned to quit the party at an appropriate time.
Organization of the Convention and Immediate Aftermath
The convention was organized by a group led by former Kozhinjampara panchayat president M Satheesh, who had previously quit the party. Within just one hour of the convention's conclusion, the CPM state leadership, which was conducting its state committee meeting, announced Sasi's expulsion from the party.
This development underscores ongoing internal tensions within the CPM in Palakkad, as dissident voices challenge the current district leadership over allegations of corruption and unethical practices.
