Strong blow when by-elections are around the corner; PP Divya issue putting CPM in crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM is worried that the severe shock inflicted by youth leader PP Divya on the day of the announcement of the by-election will derail the campaign.

ADM Naveen Babu committed suicide in the pain of the personal attack by Divya who came to his farewell ceremony uninvited. This shook the minds of Malayalees. There is also a strong demand to arrest Divya and register a case of abetment to suicide. What is troubling the party leadership is how the issue will influence the voters.

Moreover, Naveen's family are strong CPM supporters. While the party's Pathanamthitta district leadership, which stands firm with Naveen's family, has demanded strict action, the Kannur unit's attempt to protect Divya will only do more harm. Especially since there are only a few days left for the polls.

The Naveen incident is seen as the latest direct testimony to the arrogance of a section of people who have not learnt their lesson despite the severe setback in the parliamentary elections. The party will have to sweat a lot to counter the attack that is going to take place on the campaign front.

The opposition has got a master weapon to hold the party at the receiving end and hold it accountable. There is a view among the party leaders that if immediate action is not taken against Divya, the party will not be able to hold on in front of public.

Following the setback in the parliamentary elections, the party had decided to correct the wrong tendencies and keep the people closer together. What is happening one after the other is the opposite.

Rising benami suspicion

The question as to why the district panchayat president was so keen to get the NOC for the petrol pump is also being discussed. Congress has raised the allegation that the applicant of the pump is a benami of Divya's husband. Kannur DCC president Martin George said that some CPM leaders were also partners in the pump and demanded a probe.

Fixed Sabarimala mistake, but...

• The government and the chief minister have been on the defensive for the past few days over the Anvar issue, RSS-ADGP meeting, Thrissur Pooram disruption and the controversial interview of the chief minister in 'The Hindu'. The party provided protection on all these occasions
• Stopping spot booking in Sabarimala happened after that. It was restored after Kerala Kaumudi pointed out the consequences. However, it was on the same day that the Divya controversy happened. If this is taken lightly, the party will face severe consequences in the elections.
• CPM Kannur leadership justified Divya's comments as a well-intentioned criticism. However, the Pathanamthitta district secretary demanded a thorough probe. Two districts, which are the strongholds of the party, standing on different stands contrary to the usual practice, is also baffling the leadership.