A political controversy has arisen in Kannur, Kerala, following an alleged arson attack on a shrimp farm belonging to ex-CPI(M) member T. Purushothaman, a prominent supporter of rebel MLA V. Kunjikrishnan. This incident has heightened tensions within the party post-election. The CPI(M) is currently reassessing its significant loss in the recent Assembly elections, where its representation in the 140-member Kerala Assembly drastically decreased from 99 seats to just 35.
The situation in Kannur, a district long considered the CPI(M)’s organizational stronghold, has become a cause for concern. The party faced setbacks in its traditional strongholds of Payyannur and Taliparamba, losing ground to rebel candidates supported by the Congress-led UDF. This has exposed internal divisions within the party.
The attack took place at Kandankali in Payyannur, where a structure used for storing shrimp farming equipment was reportedly set on fire in the early hours. Upon arriving at the farm the next morning, Purushothaman discovered extensive damage to the shed, which housed essential equipment like shrimp feed, nets, and transport boxes.
Purushothaman raised suspicions of foul play, suggesting that an unknown liquid was poured into the shrimp pond to harm the juvenile shrimps. He also indicated the possible use of explosive materials in the attack. Notably, this is the second assault on him, with a previous incident during the Assembly election campaign where his residence was targeted and his car was torched.
Alleging political motives behind the recent attack, Purushothaman pointed fingers at former MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan, accusing him of singling him out publicly in recent statements. He claimed that CPI(M) workers had been planning assaults on those supporting V. Kunjikrishnan, with a social media campaign against him following Madhusoodanan’s remarks.
Purushothaman intends to file a formal complaint with the police regarding the incident. This development is expected to add to the challenges faced by the CPI(M) leadership, already dealing with the aftermath of a significant electoral defeat and the visible fractures in its once dominant Kannur base.
