Malappuram ,22 May (H.S.)

:A video showing CPM Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan attending a private gathering where a local SDPI leader was also present has sparked political controversy in Kerala, drawing criticism on social media and triggering reactions from sections within both the Left camp and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

The controversy emerged after a video clip surfaced online showing Vijayaraghavan sharing a meal with a group of attendees while SDPI local leader Muhammed Shafi Pilassery, popularly known as “Sabka Shafi,” was performing songs at the event. The function was reportedly held in Kozhikode on May 3, a day before the Assembly election results were declared, and involved nearly 40 members of a business partnership collective.

As criticism mounted online, Shafi confirmed that Vijayaraghavan had attended the gathering but insisted that the visit had no political significance.

According to him, the CPM leader had been invited by a CPM worker who was part of the business group after learning that Vijayaraghavan was in Kozhikode at the time.

“It was only a short visit. He remained there for around 10 minutes, had food and left. There was no political discussion or political connection associated with the visit,” Shafi said.

He further clarified that the event was a personal gathering attended by people belonging to different political backgrounds, including supporters of the CPM and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Shafi also stated that he was singing when Vijayaraghavan arrived and that there was no detailed interaction between them.

“I only greeted him. We did not have any conversation. I had met him only twice before, both during public events,” he said.

The controversy has surfaced amid earlier political allegations that the SDPI had indirectly backed Left candidates in some Assembly constituencies, including Manjeswaram in Kasaragod district.

Following the circulation of the video, reports suggested that SDPI’s state leadership sought an explanation from Shafi regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, CPM’s Malappuram district secretariat dismissed the controversy and strongly condemned what it described as a misinformation campaign targeting Vijayaraghavan.

In a statement, the party clarified that Vijayaraghavan had attended a housewarming function connected to the family of CPM district committee member Gafur P. Lillies and accused sections of the media of circulating the video without verifying facts.

The CPM also said Vijayaraghavan has consistently taken strong positions against religious extremism and argued that attempts were being made to tarnish his image through politically motivated campaigns.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman