'Attempting to defame me, what would youngsters do if senior leaders behave in such manner?' Arya Rajendran responds to Sivankutty's criticism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran has come out against former minister V. Sivankutty over the remarks he reportedly made during the CPM Thiruvananthapuram district secretariat meeting. Arya said Sivankutty’s comments were wrong and accused him of trying to defame her.

Speaking after the remarks surfaced through media reports, Arya Rajendran said she would respond to the issue publicly before the media. She also questioned how young leaders could grow within the party if senior leaders treated newcomers in such a manner.

During the district secretariat meeting, Sivankutty had reportedly said that Arya Rajendran’s actions negatively affected the party during the elections. He claimed that even women openly objected when Arya was made to travel in campaign vehicles during the election campaign.

Sivankutty also pointed out that the CPM managed to secure only a lead of five votes in the Mudavanmugal ward, Arya Rajendran’s own area, where the party had expected a lead of more than 1,000 votes. He reportedly said that Arya’s performance as Mayor had created dissatisfaction among the public.

Earlier, Sivankutty had publicly supported Arya Rajendran when the CPM faced a major setback in the local body elections.