In a significant escalation of internal dissent, former Communist Party of India (Marxist) legislator K C Rajagopalan has launched a fresh and scathing critique of the party's current leadership, labeling it a "party of sycophants." His remarks, which began on Monday, directly target Kozhencherry area secretary T V Stalin and lament the absence of veteran leader V S Achuthanandan.
Rajagopalan's Sustained Allegations and Warning
Rajagopalan, a former MLA, did not mince words in his continued criticism. He asserted that the ideological character of the CPM has undergone a drastic shift. He claimed that if stalwart leader V S Achuthanandan were still actively steering the party, it would not have descended to its current state. The former lawmaker issued a stark warning, stating that the party faces ruin if it continues to promote and advance with flatterers and yes-men within its ranks.
Central to his allegations is the figure of T V Stalin, the party's Kozhencherry area secretary. Rajagopalan stood firmly by his previous accusations that Stalin actively worked to ensure his defeat in the Mezhuveli panchayat. He alleged that such actions were not just a personal vendetta but an attempt to "torpedo" the Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule in that local body. Rajagopalan made it clear that individuals engaging in such activities, in his view, have no place within the communist party.
Party Leadership Responds and Plans Action
Following this new wave of public criticism, the CPM's Pathanamthitta district leadership has stepped in to address the brewing controversy. District secretary Raju Abraham addressed reporters, outlining the party's intended course of action. He emphasized that while internal complaints are valid, they should be raised through the proper party channels and frameworks.
Abraham confirmed that the district committee would formally discuss Rajagopalan's remarks at its meeting scheduled for Thursday. He stated that an investigation into the matter would proceed irrespective of whether the former MLA files an official complaint or not. The probe will have a dual focus: examining the circumstances that led to the LDF's defeat in the Mezhuveli panchayat and specifically analyzing the reasons behind the decline in electoral support for Rajagopalan himself.
Formal Explanation and Committee Review
The district leadership indicated that a decision on whether to seek a formal explanation from Rajagopalan for his public statements will be taken after thorough deliberations. The upcoming district committee meeting is poised to be a critical forum for reviewing the entire issue, balancing internal discipline with the serious allegations raised about sabotage and factionalism.
This public airing of grievances highlights a palpable tension within the party's Kerala unit, especially in the Pathanamthitta region. It underscores the challenges the CPM faces in managing internal dissent and maintaining unity, particularly after electoral setbacks in local bodies. The outcome of the district committee's discussion and subsequent investigation will be closely watched as a measure of how the party handles criticism from its own seasoned members.
