THIRUVANANTAPURAM: The CPM suffered a significant setback on Tuesday as the Thalassery Principal Court rejected PP Divya's anticipatory bail application, declaring her prima facie guilty in a detailed verdict. This development left the police and government speechless, as they had been awaiting the court's decision. Meanwhile, the party directed Divya to surrender instead of pursuing anticipatory bail in a higher court. Interestingly, rumours suggest that the party may provide clandestine support to Divya in her legal battle.

With Divya becoming a key weapon for the opposition in the by-election campaign, the CPM had little choice left. Divya’s arrest was also necessary to respond to the criticisms arising in CPM meetings. The possibility of CPM taking disciplinary action against her has also increased. Divya may have to step down from her role within the CPM Kannur district leadership.

The party faced added pressure as Naveen Babu's wife, Manjusha, publicly demanded the arrest of the person responsible for her husband's death. The party, which claimed to be with Naveen Babu's family, had to hand over Divya to the police. Party leadership assessed that filing an appeal in the case could put the CPM in a more defensive position.

CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan stated that the party and government won't provide protection to Divya, emphasizing that those who erred must face the law. Following the rejection of her bail plea, CPM Pathanamthitta District Secretary A.P. Udayabhanu responded that it has become clear that the party and government are standing with Naveen Babu's family.

The court ruling has completely invalidated the Kannur district unit's justification that Divya’s criticisms were well-intentioned remarks against corruption. The CPM state secretariat, which met in Thrissur a few days ago, had decided that any party action against Divya could wait until the court announces its verdict.