Thiruvananthapuram, 25 May (H.S.):

Allegations of internal sabotage and conspiracy have surfaced within the CPM following former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran’s narrow defeat in the Kazhakkoottam Assembly constituency, triggering heated discussions within party circles and demands for an internal probe.

Party members raised serious concerns during an area committee meeting, claiming that those responsible for coordinating Kadakampally’s election campaign had failed to perform effectively. Members alleged that campaign activities were not intensified even in areas where the party traditionally expected to secure strong support, resulting in a significant setback for the veteran leader.

The primary allegations reportedly centre around a district secretariat member who was in charge of Kadakampally’s election campaign. Several members expressed suspicion that there may have been a deliberate attempt to undermine the former minister’s prospects and that the defeat was not merely the result of electoral dynamics. Questions were raised over whether there had been a coordinated effort from within the party itself to weaken Kadakampally’s campaign.

During the meeting, members demanded the appointment of an inquiry commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the defeat. Allegations were also raised that money had allegedly been provided to field a rebel candidate against Kadakampally, but that efforts connected to the plan had not been pursued actively until the final stages of the campaign.

Kadakampally reportedly lost the seat by fewer than 500 votes. Meanwhile, the rebel candidate backed by V Muraleedharan secured around 200 votes, leading some members to argue that even a marginal shift in votes may have influenced the final outcome.

Concerns were also raised about voting patterns in areas including Ulloor, Medical College, Mannanthala and Karikkakom, where V Muraleedharan reportedly received notable support. Some members questioned whether traditional party votes had shifted unexpectedly.

The demand for an inquiry was raised during the area committee meeting chaired by CPM state secretariat member C N Mohanan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman