‘My father never used the party as a shield’; Bineesh takes a swipe on Kodiyeri’s death anniversary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Facebook post shared by Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of former CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, on his father’s fourth death anniversary, has triggered significand political discussions. Some remarks in the post, which recalls the political controversies faced by Kodiyeri and the cases and investigations faced by Bineesh himself, have led to speculations over whether they were veiled digs at the CPM leadership, particularly Pinarayi Vijayan.

Bineesh recalled the controversies faced by his father and specifically said that Kodiyeri had never used the party as a shield to defend himself. Bineesh said that even when cases were filed against him, Kodiyeri maintained that he should face everything on his own. Bineesh also said that while he was in jail, Kodiyeri had told him: ‘The party will not answer on your behalf, and neither will I. You must answer for yourself.’

Reports say the family of Kodiyeri are displeased with the absence of Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M V Govindan from the commemorative programmes being held in Kannur on his fourth death anniversary. Both had attended the memorial events in previous years. However, the party leadership has explained that they could not attend the memorial programme because they had to attend the party’s district committee meetings.