Letter controversy: CPM gearing up for counterattack

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM leadership has been rattled by the leak of a complaint submitted by a Chennai-based businessman to the party’s Politburo, seeking a probe into the financial dealings of senior leaders and ministers. With the issue snowballing, the leadership is reportedly preparing a counter-offensive. The controversy has also brought into focus Shyamjith, son of state secretary M.V. Govindan, though the party’s central leadership has remained silent on the matter.

Sources indicate that Shershad, who filed the complaint, received a phone call from CPM central committee member E.P. Jayarajan on Tuesday. The development has strengthened perceptions that the dispute is tied to ongoing factional battles within the party, particularly in Kannur. Shershad has further alleged that Shyamjith, who spearheaded the “Happy Fest” in Govindan’s constituency, was involved in financial irregularities.

In a twist, Shershad’s former wife Ratheena, whom he claimed had been defrauded by businessman Rajesh Krishna, took to Facebook with a post targeting Shershad. She clarified that the so-called “Chennai businessman’s letter” being discussed in the media had also drawn her into the narrative, but insisted that it actually stemmed from personal family disputes between herself and the businessman.

Baseless controversy: M.V. Govindan
M.V. Govindan dismissed the allegations as baseless, saying he would not respond to such nonsense. Former minister Thomas Isaac warned that legal action would be taken against Shershad if he did not withdraw the charges. Isaac admitted that he had once called Shershad after his bank loan defaulted but claimed there was a conspiracy behind turning it into a controversy now. Minister M.B. Rajesh said the so-called “controversial letter” has been circulating on WhatsApp for four months, and it was unfortunate that such fabrications were being celebrated as news.

Earlier, P. Jayarajan had questioned the party about what action was taken on the inquiry into E.P. Jayarajan’s involvement in the Vaidekam Resort deal. Soon after, allegations surfaced that Govindan’s son was behind the leak of the current complaint. There are also suspicions that some within the party were responsible for leaking the picture and information about Govindan’s visit to astrologer Madhava Pothuwal in Payyannur.