CPM State Secretary M V Govindan Intensifies Attack on Expelled Leader V Kunhikrishnan
In a significant development in Kerala's political landscape, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has escalated his confrontation with expelled party leader V Kunhikrishnan. Addressing a news conference during the Vikasana Munnetta Yatra on Tuesday, Govindan issued a stern warning, stating that he would pursue legal recourse if Kunhikrishnan's upcoming book contains unfounded allegations against him.
Govindan Dismisses Kunhikrishnan's Claims on Party Funds
Govindan emphatically declared that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has nothing to conceal regarding its financial dealings. He announced that the party would publicly disclose the details of funds collected for the Dhanraj martyr fund, a move aimed at countering Kunhikrishnan's accusations of misappropriation. "Kunhikrishnan can say whatever he wants. Who will take the statements of an expelled leader at face value?" Govindan questioned, underscoring the party's stance that it is not obligated to respond to claims made by an individual ousted from its ranks.
He further clarified that the CPM does not need to scrutinize the account statements referenced by Kunhikrishnan, as the party maintains clear and proper records of all fund collections. When pressed on whether the party would release these fund details before Kunhikrishnan's book launch, Govindan confirmed there was no such plan, noting that the accounts for assisting Dhanraj's family have already been presented at internal party forums and will be made available to the public in due course.
Support from Senior CPM Leader M V Jayarajan
Adding weight to Govindan's assertions, senior CPM leader M V Jayarajan voiced his support, labeling Kunhikrishnan's book as lacking in party authenticity. "It is a book by an anti-party person," Jayarajan remarked, reinforcing the party's unified front against the expelled member's allegations. Kunhikrishnan's book, which levels serious charges of fund misappropriation including those related to the Dhanraj martyr fund, is scheduled for release in Payyannur on Wednesday under police protection, highlighting the contentious nature of its contents.
Govindan Refutes Opposition Claims on Sabarimala Gold Heist Probe
Beyond the internal party dispute, Govindan also addressed external criticisms, specifically refuting opposition claims that the state government interfered in the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) probe into the Sabarimala gold heist cases. He challenged the Congress party to explain the circumstances surrounding a meeting between Unnikrishnan Potti, Govardhan, and Sonia Gandhi, questioning who facilitated their interaction. "The matter should be examined," Govindan insisted, shifting the focus back onto the opposition's actions.
Doubts Raised Over High-Speed Rail Project
In a related commentary on infrastructure developments, Govindan expressed skepticism regarding Metroman E Sreedharan's decision to open a separate office for the high-speed rail project. He characterized the move as an attempt to mislead the public, casting doubts on the Central government's approval of the project. Govindan pointed out that the project was not mentioned in the recent Budget and highlighted the Union railways minister's non-committal responses during post-Budget media briefings, suggesting a lack of concrete commitment from the Centre.
This series of statements from Govindan not only intensifies the internal rift within the CPM but also positions the party firmly against opposition narratives, while raising critical questions about state and central governance issues in Kerala.
