In a significant move before the Assembly elections, CPI(M) leader P. K. Sasi has stepped down as Chairman of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) due to internal party pressure. The Palakkad district leadership of CPI-M had been urging his removal, which was initially resisted by the state leadership. However, following a strong stance against him by CPI(M) State Secretary M. V. Govindan, Sasi tendered his resignation at the KTDC headquarters.
The resignation has led to political speculation, especially with the upcoming elections in mind. Earlier reports hinted at Sasi’s potential shift to the Congress or running as a Congress-supported independent candidate in Palakkad district. There were also discussions about him aligning with CPI(M) rebels in Kozhinjampara.
Sasi, confirming his resignation from the chairman’s post, chose not to disclose whether he is leaving the CPI(M). His recent actions, such as skipping the LDF’s march due to health reasons and avoiding Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan’s event, have raised questions within the party.
Amidst tensions within the CPI(M) and his demotion from the district committee, Sasi’s resignation, particularly in the context of Ottapalam, hints at a potential political shift in Palakkad. The Palakkad district CPI-M secretary, E.N. Suresh Babu, verified Sasi’s resignation, clarifying that he remains in the CPI(M) for now.
