CPM make efforts to cool down allegations against EP Jayarajan; Politburo may discuss issue on Wednesday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the financial allegation levelled by P Jayarajan against LDF convener and CPM central committee member EP Jayarajan in the state committee meeting has become a political controversy that has stained the party's image, efforts are being made to resolve the matter without aggravation.

State secretary MV Govindan, who came to Delhi for the Politburo meeting, responded that there is no complaint against EP Jayarajan and everything is a media creation. As complaints were raised against P Jayarajan, who had made the allegation, it became the party's responsibility to see to it that the matter did not flare up. MV Govindan said that there is no complaint in a bid to cool down the issue. He also clarified that there was no discussion about this in the Politburo which started yesterday. He has remained silent on the controversy so far.

This matter was not included in the agenda of the PB meeting. Discussion can be done only if the state leadership raises it. As the state party secretariat meeting on December 30 is to take a decision on the investigation, the central leadership's directive is crucial. Therefore, it is indicated that the discussion will be held in PB.

There is a concern in the party that the UDF and the BJP will take advantage of this in the parliamentary elections. This could also pose a threat to the image of the government.

The controversial Ayurvedic resort project was conceived when EP Jayarajan was the Industries Minister in the last cabinet. In this context, leaders including Chief Minister have communicated with EP Jayarajan and P Jayarajan.

The party centres are of the position that the allegations against the two were raised in the Kannur district committee and the party has already discussed and dismissed them. But there is an assessment that the allegation against EP Jayarajan cannot be dismissed as it was raised during the discussion of the rectification document. That is what led the leadership to the discussion of party investigation. The discussion at the secretariat meeting on Friday is crucial. It is reported that EP Jayarajan will attend the secretariat meeting on Friday amid the controversy.

The challenge of the party

1. Cool the controversy without allowing the opposition to capitalize on it

2. Solve without damage to both Jayarajans

3. Try to keep the rectification document from causing any setback

4. Decide the investigation by looking at the political implications

Why the PB discussion?

• CPM General Secretary Yechury said that the agenda is contemporary political issues
• The state unit should clarify its position as the image of the party has been tarnished
• After seeking details from the party secretary, it will have to be discussed in the central committee in January.