CPM initiated to end solar strike; mediator was Brittas, reveals senior journalist

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior journalist John Mundakayam said CPM took the initiative to settle the solar strike. He revealed that journalist and MP John Brittas called him on the instructions of the CPM leadership.

The revelation is in the article written in Samakalika Malayalam. ‘Shouldn't we end the strike somehow?’ Brittas asked him on the phone. Asked him back why thought of ending it. Understood that Brittas' call was as per instructions from the top leadership. The article said, the next question of Brittas was whether he could inform Oommen Chandy, who was the chief minister then, that he was ready to call off the strike if he immediately held a press meet and announce a judicial inquiry.

Following that, called Chandy. The compromise formula was accepted by the UDF and Kunhalikutty and Thiruvanchoor spoke to me. N K Premachandran participated in the discussion as a left representative. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was also there. Oommen Chandy then called a press conference.

The party was aware of this move but neither leaders including Thomas Isaac nor the activists who came for the strike knew about it. John Mundakayam said in the article that he mediated in the settlement negotiations.

Meantime, former home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan MLA responded that the government had not tried to settle the solar strike. However, when there was such a move on the part of the CPM, it was taken positively and it was an effort to avoid gathering of large crowds in the capital city, he added. Thomas Isaac's response was that he is not aware of John Mundakkayam's revelations.