Palakkad, 19 Feb (H.S.): Senior CPI(M) leader and former MLA P.K. Sasi has resigned from his post as Chairman of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), triggering fresh speculation about his political future. The resignation comes amid rumours that Sasi may contest the upcoming elections as a UDF candidate or align with the Congress if he formally parts ways with the CPI(M).
Sources indicate that Sasi is likely to address the media later
to clarify his position. His sudden resignation is believed to have been prompted by recent remarks from CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan, who had stated that the party would not be affected even if Sasi chose to leave. The statement was widely seen as a sign of growing distance between Sasi and the party leadership.
Sasi has reportedly been at odds with the CPI(M) district leadership in Palakkad for several years. The district unit had earlier demanded his removal from the KTDC chairman post. Tensions deepened during the last local body elections, when a faction backing Sasi fielded candidates independently, reflecting internal divisions within the party.
He continues to wield influence in constituencies such as Mannarkkad, Kongad, Shoranur and Ottapalam. Political observers note that if Sasi contests from Shoranur, he could pose a challenge to the CPI(M), though party leaders maintain that he holds little electoral clout now.
The rift between Sasi and the party intensified following public criticism from district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu, who remarked that Sasi’s demotion to branch-level membership was due to his own shortcomings. The demotion had followed an internal inquiry into sexual harassment allegations, conducted by senior leaders A.K. Balan and P.K. Sreemathi.
Sasi had served as the MLA from Shoranur between 2011 and 2016. In October 2024, he was removed from the party’s district committee and expelled from leadership roles.
Congress MP V.K. Sreekandan is reported to have held discussions with Sasi, further fuelling speculation about a possible political realignment. Whether Sasi joins the Congress or contests as a UDF-backed independent remains to be seen, but his resignation marks a significant development in Palakkad’s political landscape.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
