Altercation at CPM district secretariat; Action looms over senior leaders' clash

PATHANAMTHITTA: LDF, which was ahead in the election campaign in Pathanamthitta, experienced an altercation at the CPM district secretariat meeting due to unexpected tensions. During the meeting held on Monday night, senior leaders and members of the district secretariat, including former MLA A Padmakumar and P B Harshakumar, clashed.

The meeting took place in the presence of Minister V N Vasavan, who informed the state leadership about the incident. It is known that there will be a party-level investigation after the election.

District secretary AP Udayabhanu held a press conference yesterday. Alongside P B Harshakumar and A Padmakumar, former MLA Raju Abraham and Omallur Sankaran, who are members of the district secretariat were also present.

The dispute began when Padmakumar mentioned a failure in campaigning in the Adoor assembly constituency, which is under Harshakumar's charge. Harshakumar countered by stating that there was a strong campaign in the Adur district and pointed out the absence of an election committee office in Aranmula, where Padmakumar is in charge. After the meeting, there was another argument between the two while leaving the hall indicating escalated tensions.

"The news of an altercation in the district secretariat meeting has prompted certain media outlets to assist the UDF. Legal action will be taken against these media sources. The news was fabricated to weaken the LDF and confuse the electorate when Thomas Isaac was expected to win with a significant majority."

- K P Udayabhanu, CPM District Secretary

"The reports of an altercation in the meeting are false. There was merely a discussion at the secretariat. This hoax is aimed at defending Thomas Isaac's acceptance. Legal action will be pursued."

- Minister V N Vasavan