Mumbai, July 23: A new political controversy has erupted in Kannur, Kerala. The supporter of rebel MLA V. Kunjikrishnan, T. Purushottaman, a former member of CPI(M), was targeted in an arson attack at his shrimp farm. This incident has intensified the internal crisis within the party following the assembly elections.
The attack occurred as CPI(M)’s national and state leadership reviews the party’s significant defeat in the recent elections. The party’s seats in the 140-member Kerala assembly plummeted from 99 to just 35.
Historically, Kannur has been considered CPI(M)’s strongest organizational district. However, recent events have raised serious concerns within the party. The victories of rebel candidates supported by the Congress-led UDF in traditional strongholds like Payyannur and Taliparamba have exposed deep divisions within CPI(M).
The incident took place in the Kandanakali area of Payyannur, where a shed housing shrimp farming equipment was set ablaze shortly after midnight. Purushottaman discovered the damage when he arrived at the farm to feed the shrimp on Thursday morning. The shed was completely destroyed, along with shrimp feed, nets, transport boxes, pipes, and trays.
Purushottaman alleged that an unknown liquid substance was mixed into the pond with the intent to kill the shrimp. He also expressed concerns that explosives may have been used in the attack.
This marks the second attack on him. Previously, during the assembly election campaign, his home was targeted, and his car was set on fire. Following that incident, five CPI(M) workers were arrested.
Purushottaman claims the latest attack was politically motivated. He has accused former MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan of being responsible, stating that he had publicly targeted him in recent days.
He stated, “For the past few days, CPI(M) workers have been planning attacks on those who supported V. Kunjikrishnan. After the former MLA spoke against me, there has been a continuous campaign against me on social media. This attack happened right after that.”
He indicated that a formal complaint would be filed with the police. This incident could further complicate the challenges faced by CPI(M) leadership, which is already grappling with the repercussions of its worst electoral defeat in decades and increasing internal strife in its once-stronghold of Kannur.
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