V. Kunjikrishnan, a senior CPI(M) leader recently expelled from the party, has approached the Kerala High Court for police protection during his upcoming book release event. Kunjikrishnan clarified that his request for protection is solely for the book release function scheduled for Wednesday to ensure it proceeds without disruption. The petition comes ahead of the release of his book containing allegations against the CPI(M) leadership and the party’s ideological decline.
Kunjikrishnan’s expulsion from the CPI(M)’s primary membership followed his public allegations of irregularities related to the Dhanaraj Martyrs’ Fund, sparking controversy within the party’s Kannur district unit. The party accused Kunjikrishnan of betraying the party and collaborating with its adversaries, particularly through media interviews before elections. The CPI(M) stated that internal inquiries had refuted Kunjikrishnan’s claims and attributed his actions to personal animosity towards a party member.
In contrast, Kunjikrishnan’s book, titled ‘Nethruthvathe Anikal Thiruthanam (The Cadre Must Correct the Leadership)’, criticizes the CPI(M)’s state leadership. The book alleges that party leaders have benefited from crony capitalism, organizational principles have been misused to protect wrongdoers, and the party has deviated from its communist roots. It also accuses the leadership of financial irregularities and failure to address issues.
Despite his expulsion, Kunjikrishnan, aged 74, reiterated his stance and ruled out joining any other political party. With the book release approaching and tensions rising, the High Court plea for protection adds a new dimension to the controversy within the CPI(M) in Kannur. The party faces internal challenges amid the upcoming assembly polls and struggles to recover from the setbacks of the recent local body elections.
