No action against Suresh Babu; Women leaders frustrated, discontent simmers within CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Resentment is brewing within the CPM after women leaders indirectly criticised the state leadership for failing to take action regarding a sexual assault complaint against E.N. Suresh Babu, the former Palakkad district secretary.

The women leaders still insist that Suresh Babu be expelled from the party.

Although removed from the post of District Secretary, Suresh Babu continues to serve on the District Secretariat and the State Committee. The Congress is targeting the CPM over this issue. Amidst this situation, dissent within the CPM is also intensifying. P.K. Sreemathy, a CPM Central Committee member who posted an incisive opinion on Facebook, reiterated her stance on Thursday. She made it clear that the party has always taken action against anyone committing atrocities against women or girls and assured that strong measures would be taken against the perpetrators.

CPM leader Suja Susan George was the first to speak out. She demanded on Facebook that sexual assault be treated as a serious crime and the accused be subjected to the legal proceedings prescribed by the justice system.

Despite not making any public statements, other female leaders also harbour deep dissatisfaction. Central Committee member K.K. Shailaja maintained that the party have always stood by the young women whenever they faced difficulties and noted that, to her knowledge, the party had not received any formal complaint against Suresh Babu.

Leaders such as P. Satheedevi and C.S. Sujatha are of the view that strict action must be taken against Suresh Babu. The extended district committee meetings are set to conclude by the end of this month. Following this, the CPM State Secretariat will consider the complaint against Suresh Babu and conduct a review before deciding on any disciplinary action.

T.P. Ramakrishnan, CPM Central Committee member and LDF Convener, stated that the party will conduct an inquiry into the matter.