Thrissur, March 9: Internal conflict within the Communist Party of India (CPI) has come to the forefront in Thrissur district, Kerala. An incumbent MLA has accused the party leadership of attempting to replace him with another candidate for financial reasons.
C.C. Mukundan, the CPI MLA, publicly rebelled against the party’s alleged move to field former MLA Geetha Gopi in the upcoming elections. This controversy has emerged in the Nattika assembly constituency. The CPI is the second-largest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Mukundan stated, “I cannot raise funds for the party. The decision to give away the seat has been made due to financial implications.” He also mentioned that he would contest the elections even if the party did not grant him a ticket. Mukundan claimed he had not been formally informed about any decision to revoke his ticket. He argued that most party MLAs are given two terms, while he is not being afforded the same opportunity.
He alleged that factional politics within the local party unit led the Cherpu constituency committee to not recommend his name. These accusations pose a significant challenge for the CPI in Thrissur. Party sources indicated that there have been ongoing differences between the leadership and Mukundan, who had previously been removed from the CPI district council.
Additionally, disputes involving his former personal staff have reportedly strained his relationship with district leadership. Meanwhile, former MLA Geetha Gopi dismissed the allegations, stating that she is focused on fulfilling the responsibilities assigned by the party. She asserted that the party leadership would respond to the accusations and expressed confidence that the people of Nattika, who have supported her twice, would accept her again.
This dispute has raised concerns within the LDF that Mukundan’s potential rebellion could affect coalition prospects in the constituency. Sources suggest that if Mukundan is denied a CPI ticket, he may consider running as an independent candidate. Reports indicate that Congress party leaders have reached out to him to capitalize on this discord.
It is believed that senior Congress leaders have contacted Mukundan, while some district-level leaders have personally met him to encourage his inclusion in their party. Known for his relatively clean public image and popularity among certain voter segments, Mukundan has stated that he will announce his decision soon.
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