CPM to Take Action Against Ex-MLA in Sabarimala Gold Scam Only After Chargesheet Filed
In a significant development regarding the ongoing Sabarimala gold scam investigation, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has clarified the party's stance on disciplinary action against former MLA A Padmakumar. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the LDF's Vikasana Munneta Jatha in Perambra, Kozhikode, Govindan asserted that the party will proceed against Padmakumar, who is also the ex-president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), only once the chargesheet is formally filed in the case and the specific crimes against him are fully revealed.
No Immediate Action, Regardless of Demands
Govindan emphasized that no action will be taken against Padmakumar until that point, regardless of external pressures or demands. "There is no moral question involved in this matter. We said that we will take action and he is still in jail. The moral problem is for the media," he stated, dismissing any ethical dilemmas in the party's approach. He added that when the CPM does decide to act, it will be done systematically and through proper internal channels, ensuring due process is followed.
Criticism of Congress Over SIT Probe
During his address to party workers earlier, Govindan launched a sharp critique of the Congress party's shifting stance on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold scam. He pointed out that when the SIT began questioning UDF convener Adoor Prakash, the Congress suddenly lost confidence in the investigation team. "The money collected for the flagpole is missing, and the gold collected for it is also missing. When this Tanthri and Govardhan went around the country, there was one person with them. Who was it? Adoor Prakash. As I am speaking now, news came out that he is being questioned by the SIT. So, Congress people don't want the SIT as it has started to nab Congress workers. So far, they were unleashing attacks, saying that the SIT is catching communists," Govindan remarked.
Commitment to Justice in Sabarimala Case
Reiterating the CPM's firm position on the Sabarimala issue, Govindan stated that the party has maintained from the beginning that not even a grain of gold belonging to Lord Ayyappa should be lost. "Whoever is responsible should be brought to justice. We also said that we will not protect anyone, no matter who is involved," he affirmed. He further raised questions about the mystery surrounding first accused Unnikrishnan Potti's visit to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, suggesting that Adoor Prakash might be revealing details of this to the SIT during questioning. "I don't know who all are going to be summoned now," Govindan added, hinting at potential wider implications in the probe.
Addressing Other Party Matters
In a separate media interaction, Govindan also touched upon other internal party issues. He downplayed allegations of fund diversion by leaders in Payyannur, stating that it was a matter properly addressed earlier and should not be escalated into a national issue. Regarding expelled party leader V Kunhikrishnan, Govindan noted that the chapter closed as soon as he was expelled, and those wishing to chant his name are free to do so, indicating a move to put the matter behind the party.
The statements underscore the CPM's cautious and procedural approach to the Sabarimala gold scam, while simultaneously targeting political opponents over the investigation's unfolding developments.
