Kannur, 17 March (H.S.):The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] has expelled senior leader T.K. Govindan from the party, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the organisation and spreading false allegations. The decision was announced by CPM Kannur district secretary K.K. Ragesh at a press conference held at the party’s district committee office, Azhikodan Mandiram.

Ragesh stated that Govindan had been removed from the party’s primary membership following disciplinary action taken by the district secretariat. He alleged that Govindan recently engaged in a “blatant misinformation campaign” against the party and its leadership.

Defending the party’s candidate selection process, Ragesh clarified that CPM candidates are chosen collectively and not based on individual preferences. He emphasised that the selection of P.K. Shyamala as the candidate in the Thaliparamba constituency was made strictly in accordance with party norms and established criteria. “No individual can impose themselves as a candidate. The process is democratic and collective,” he said, adding that the state leadership did not interfere in the decision.

According to Ragesh, Shyamala was the only name that emerged during internal discussions for Thaliparamba. He rejected allegations of favouritism, asserting that the party does not consider personal relationships while selecting candidates. “P.K. Shyamala is not an ordinary individual; she has a long-standing political legacy and was the most appropriate choice,” he noted.

The CPM leader also accused Govindan of harbouring “parliamentary ambitions” and engaging in opportunistic politics. He alleged that Govindan was indirectly aiding the United Democratic Front (UDF) due to his personal ambitions for power. “A person driven by power lust cannot be called a true communist,” Ragesh remarked.

He further revealed that Govindan had expressed interest in contesting from Thaliparamba, but his name did not receive support in any party meeting. “Not a single member in the district secretariat or any other forum proposed his name. He failed to show the humility required to assess his acceptance within the party,” Ragesh said.

Ragesh also accused Govindan of spreading false narratives linking Shyamala to the Anthoor Sajan death case, calling it a deliberate attempt at character assassination. CPM leaders, including M.V. Jayarajan, reiterated that Shyamala had no role in the incident and that a proper investigation had been conducted, respecting the sentiments of the victim’s family.

The party maintained that disciplinary action was necessary to uphold organisational integrity and discipline.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman