Pathanamthitta, 16 March (H.S.): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] is likely to take disciplinary action against senior party leader A. Padmakumar during a district secretariat meeting scheduled to be held on Monday morning. The meeting is expected to decide on further organisational steps against the veteran leader in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, in which he has been named as an accused.

As part of preliminary action, the party leadership has already removed Padmakumar from his position in the LDF election committee in Aranmula constituency, where he was serving as the secretary. In his place, CPM district secretariat member Omallur Shankaran has been assigned the responsibility.

Party sources said the CPM district leadership has also sought an explanation from Padmakumar regarding the allegations in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The issue has become a matter of serious concern within the party as opposition groups and political rivals have been accusing the CPM of shielding Padmakumar despite the charges against him.

Padmakumar, a senior CPM leader from Pathanamthitta district, had earlier served as the President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which administers major temples including the Sabarimala shrine. His association with the controversial case has triggered intense political debate in the region.

The CPM district secretariat meeting scheduled for today is expected to deliberate on whether stricter organisational action should be taken against him. Senior leaders, including members of the party’s Central Committee, are likely to participate in the discussions.

According to indications from within the party, Padmakumar could face removal not only from the district committee but also from various organisational responsibilities if the leadership concludes that the allegations and the political fallout could damage the party’s image.

Party leaders are reportedly keen to address the issue swiftly, particularly amid concerns that continued criticism over the case could affect the CPM’s credibility during the ongoing political climate in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman