Alappuzha: A Shanavas, an Alappuzha municipal councillor who was expelled from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) due to his alleged involvement in smuggling banned tobacco products, has been reinstated by the party. The decision was taken during a CPM district secretariat meeting attended by state secretariat member and minister Saji Cherian.
Background of the Controversy
The district secretariat approved recommendations from the Ashram local committee and Alappuzha area committees, which were made in December last year ahead of local body elections. In January 2023, during a vehicle inspection in Karunagappally, one of the vehicles seized with banned tobacco products worth Rs 1 crore was found to belong to Shanavas. Although another individual presented documents showing they had rented the truck, thereby absolving Shanavas from the case, the incident caused significant controversy within the party.
Party Action and Investigation
Shanavas explained to the party that he had rented out his truck and had no involvement in the illegal tobacco trade. However, the party took disciplinary action because he purchased the truck without informing them and rented it to a person under suspicion for drug trafficking. Subsequently, the police gave Shanavas a clean chit. The special branch reported to the district police chief that there was no evidence against Shanavas, confirming his claim that he rented out the vehicle and was not involved in the smuggling. The report stated that Shanavas's involvement in the illegal tobacco trade could not be established.
Reinstatement Process
Although Shanavas accepted the party's decision and applied for reinstatement, no decision was made initially. The CPM's decision to allocate a seat in the Thondankulangara ward to Shanavas in the local body elections had stirred controversy. After winning the Alappuzha municipal council seat under the party symbol, the district secretariat approved the local and area committees' recommendation for his reinstatement.
Internal Party Reactions
When the recommendation for reinstatement during the election period sparked controversy, district secretary R Nasar said that Shanavas is now a ‘good communist'. However, some opposing his reinstatement are reportedly planning to file a complaint with the state leadership, which could exacerbate factionalism and divisions within the party's Alappuzha unit.
This development highlights the ongoing internal tensions within the CPM's Alappuzha unit, as the party navigates between disciplinary actions and political expediency. The reinstatement of Shanavas is likely to be a subject of debate in the coming days, with potential implications for party unity.
