THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Assessing that getting caught up in controversies related to the BJP will cause huge damage, CPM leadership is trying to settle the EP Jayarajan issue as soon as possible. Despite the conviction that EP Jayarajan has put the party and the LDF in crisis by revealing on polling day about his earlier meeting with BJP Kerala Prabhari Prakash Javadekar, the CPM state leadership is defending him.

Taking the stand that there was no wrongdoing in EP Jayarajan's meeting with Javadekar, the leadership only denied Jayarajan's collusion with Dallal Nandakumar, who mediated it. The party fears that if Jayarajan is ousted from the post of Left Front convenor, the opposition will turn it into a weapon to attack the CPM and the matter will not be resolved anytime soon. That is why CPM is not ready to do it despite pressure from CPI.

In a press conference after the state secretariat, state secretary MV Govindan disclosed that legal action has been suggested against Shobha Surendran and others who accused EP of trying to join the BJP. EP also tried to quell the controversy by blaming the media. The meeting did not go into further discussion as the Chief Minister, who is also a PB member, had already clarified his position. The chief minister and party state secretary also defended that they had also spoken to Javadekar and there was nothing wrong with that. With this, the Congress is strengthening the allegation that Jayarajan met Prakash Javadekar with the knowledge of the Chief Minister.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam had responded that the matter is not only an internal matter of CPM but also adversely affects the front. CPM unofficial centres indicate that it will continue to be vigilant on the EP issue.

To avoid political repercussions

1. Party is not in a position to isolate EP by taking any action against him. Party is worried that if action is taken, his reactions could drag the party into more controversies.
2. Local elections in the state are scheduled to be held in December next year. BJP is already present in many local bodies. The political environment in which they gain prominence must be prevented. Assembly elections are also scheduled to be held in May 2026.

Strong discontent; Matter to State Committee

There is a strong feeling among the ranks and a section of leaders that the new controversy related to EP Jayarajan, who continues to create crises for the party, cannot be taken lightly. The move by a section of the party is to raise and discuss the issue in the next state committee meeting.

Since EP Jayarajan is a member of the party central committee, it is the state committee that should discuss the matter and seek clarification. After deliberation by the State Committee, the Central Committee may recommend action if necessary. It is up to the central committee to decide.

"There was a political and media conspiracy against me. The aim is to destroy the party and the front."

-EP Jayarajan (at the State Secretariat yesterday)