Thrissur, 09 March (H.S.): A political controversy has erupted within the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Thrissur district over the selection of candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, with sitting Nattika MLA C.C. Mukundan openly criticising the party leadership.

Mukundan has publicly opposed the reported decision to field former MLA Geetha Gopi from the Nattika constituency. The legislator alleged that the decision was influenced by financial considerations and accused the party leadership of promoting what he described as a “payment seat.”

Speaking to the media, Mukundan claimed that Geetha Gopi was chosen primarily because she could mobilise financial resources for the party. According to him, the party leadership was prioritising candidates who could contribute financially rather than considering political performance or grassroots work.

“The candidate selection appears to be based on the ability to raise funds for the party. That is why Geetha Gopi has been chosen,” Mukundan alleged. He added that he himself had never been able to raise money for the party, even symbolically. “I have not brought even ten rupees to the party, and perhaps that is considered my biggest shortcoming,” he said.

Mukundan also stated that the party had not yet formally communicated any decision regarding his candidature. However, he made it clear that he intends to remain active in the electoral arena regardless of the party’s final decision.

“Even if the party does not give me the seat, I will remain in the electoral field. The candidature must be reconsidered. There are several allegations against the proposed candidate. In the previous election, the party replaced her and fielded me,” he said.

The MLA acknowledged that his statements could invite disciplinary action from the party but said he was not afraid of any such consequences. “I may face action for expressing this stand, but I am not concerned about that,” he added.

The controversy surfaced shortly after the CPI state secretariat and executive council meetings held in Thiruvananthapuram reportedly finalised a broad understanding on candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Reports indicate that the party is planning to field its four sitting ministers again in the election. In addition, the CPI leadership is also considering the possibility of fielding noted poet and public speaker Alankode Leelakrishnan from the Thrissur constituency.

Mukundan’s strong reaction has triggered fresh tensions within the party in Thrissur, which has long been considered one of the CPI’s strongholds in Kerala. Political observers say the public dissent by a sitting MLA highlights growing unease within the party ranks as it prepares for a crucial electoral battle in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman