Kollam MLA Mukesh finally appears at CPM state conference; clears air on rumours

KOLLAM: There was a lot of discussion about Kollam MLA Mukesh not arriving on the opening day of the CPM state conference in the MLA’s home turf. It was rumored that the CPM district leadership had imposed an undeclared ban on M Mukesh from participating in party programs after police filed a charge sheet against him in a sexual harassment case.

But now, Mukesh has cleared the air on the rumours.

' Work commitments kept me away from the inaugural day of the state conference. Since I am not a party member, I have limitations in attending those events.

I was out of the station for two days and arrived here today to inaugurate the logo of the conference. Thank you to the media for their love and care. There will be a tour of all MLAs next month. Don’t complain about not seeing me then,” said Mukesh.

A day back, CPM state secretary MV Govindan, at a press conference held in conjunction with the state conference, asked the media to find Mukesh’s whereabouts.

The Special Investigation Team investigating sexual harassment complaints in the film industry filed a charge sheet against M Mukesh just before the start of the related programs of the conference. Mukesh's name and photos were not used on the campaign boards and notices for the state conference.

Mukesh has not participated in any public events since the chargesheet was filed, except for the inauguration of the Palliative Care Center started in the name of his father, O Madhavan. Although Mukesh contested and won the Kollam assembly constituency under the CPM symbol in the last two assembly elections, he has not yet been given party membership.