CPM through PP Divya is facing an unprecedented crisis in history, heavy impact if not resigned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM is in a tight spot following the suicide of ADM Naveen Babu. The Sabarimala spot booking issue that arose just before the election was somehow resolved and when the party was preparing to face the election came unexpectedly the suicide of the ADM.

Media reports said Kannur district panchayat president and staunch CPM member P P Divya, who was an uninvited guest at the sendoff function of Naveen Babu, accused him of corruption, and this led to his death. The Congress and the BJP has taken advantage of it. The CPM, on the other hand, is on the defensive.

The family of Naveen Babu, who committed suicide, are also staunch CPM supporters. Many of his relatives had served and are serving organizational posts. With this, the CPM district leadership came forward against Divya. However, Kannur leadership was only ready to pinch Divya a little bit saying that the statement was inappropriate. CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary K P Udayabhanu came forward with severe criticism against Divya this morning while anger was simmering among the party ranks in Kannur.

‘Naveen Babu was not corrupt. Has known him for a long time. His family are LDF supporters. It was their need to bring Naveen Babu to Pathanamthitta. He was an officer who had a good track record in his career and did his best to help the poor. Kannur district panchayat president's behavior was immature. This is not how to behave at a sendoff function. The party will also conduct a detailed inquiry into the death of ADM,' he told a private channel. After this statement surfaced, the party is in dire straits. Political observers are evaluating it as an unprecedented crisis.

The state leadership is well aware that even if the dissatisfaction in Naveen Babu's home party unit has not erupted into an explosion, it will deal a severe blow to the party. So, the party will find ways to cool down the problem as soon as possible. Party members in Kannur themselves said the statement against Divya's remarks has only aggravated the problem. There are many demanding that Divya be removed from the position at least to save face for the time being. DYFI leaders have come out in defense of Divya and are causing anger among the ranks.

If Divya is protected without making her resign, it is sure to give a big blow to the party in the by-elections. Leaders will have to sweat a lot to justify Divya. Similarly, the party centers are also afraid that even the staunch votes of the party may change. Especially when the UDF and BJP are making maximum use of Naveen Babu's suicide.