CPM forced to take tough stance in MLA Mukesh controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While CPI is clamouring for Mukesh’s resignation from MLA post, CPM looks unperturbed and is blasé over the whole controversy. Despite not being a party member, Mukesh won elections two times from Kollam using the CPM symbol. The party consider the actor-turned-politician to be a crowd-puller and is not ready to budge to CPI demands.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam met CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday to demand the resignation of Mukesh MLA. In the meanwhile, a decision has been reached to exclude the actor from the film policy committee set up by Minister Saji Cherian. Looking at the progress of the case, a tough stance will be taken if necessary. The CPM Secretariat meeting today will look into the matter in depth.

Following the accusation raised by the actress, severe criticism was raised against Mukesh in the CPM Kollam District Secretariat. Youth Congress and Mahila Congress also marched to Mukesh's residence in the capital on Thursday demanding his resignation.

• CPM is of the view that Mukesh resigning and facing the by-elections in Kollam amidst allegations would backfire.

• Moreover, Mukesh won elections in 2021 only by a slender margin of 2072 votes. In 2016, he had a majority of 17,611 votes.