Autobiography threat looms large; CPM leadership kowtows to A Padmakumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is being suggested that the state leadership limited the disciplinary action against CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member A. Padmakumar in the gold theft case to suspension out of fear of his awaited autobiography. The party did not take the expulsion action, in fear of the disastrous consequences awaiting them if Padmakumar tells the world about the hitherto unknown details of the women entry in Sabarimala.

While the state leadership was moving towards the drastic action of expulsion, Padmakumar intervened strategically. It was rumoured that Padmakumar had told his friends that he and ADGP S. Sreejith were removed from Sabarimala to pave the way for women's entry in Sabarimala. Padmakumar targeted the office of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. There was also propaganda that all this would be in his autobiography.

The leadership assessed that if more details come out, the party would find itself in a tough spot, with larger consequences on the cards than suffered during the gold theft case. The media would give a lot of publicity to Padmakumar. The UDF and the BJP would take it over politically. The party leadership would have to face the emotional reactions of the people. This would create a bigger crisis than the humiliating election defeat. The entry of young women into Sabarimala was a closed chapter after CPM put great effort into implementing a door-to-door campaign and persuading the believers and people.

The decision of the state leadership came after discussing the stance of the district committee. The CPM will respond to the criticism by pointing out that suspension is the second biggest step in the process. It will also be made clear that if strict sections are imposed in the charge sheet, Padmakumar will be expelled. After being released from jail, Padmakumar was removed from his elected duties.

The decision to limit the action to suspension will be discussed again in the party committees. The party leadership will surely come under severe criticism.