In a sharp rebuttal, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has responded to allegations made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan regarding the collection of money by Communist Party of India (CPI) functionaries. The political spat, which unfolded on Saturday, centers on the nature of the funds and has exposed underlying tensions within Kerala's political landscape.
Viswam's Firm Stance on Party Funds
Addressing the media, Binoy Viswam acknowledged that CPI members may have indeed collected money from Vellappally Natesan. However, he categorically stated that this was done as a legitimate collection of party fund and there was nothing improper about it. "No money was received through improper means," Viswam asserted. He went a step further, challenging Natesan's insinuation by declaring, "If Natesan claims so, CPI will give back the money." This statement puts the onus back on the SNDP leader to prove any wrongdoing in the transaction.
The Context of the Verbal Duel
This exchange is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing verbal duel between the two leaders. The friction stems from the CPI's consistent criticism of Vellappally Natesan and his perceived closeness with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Viswam sought to clarify the CPI's independent stance, emphasizing, "We did not engage Natesan to rate LDF or any party in the LDF." This remark underscores the CPI's position as a distinct entity within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition, not bound by Natesan's opinions.
Broader Political Implications and Personal Barbs
The controversy also touches on other recent events. Viswam commented on Chief Minister Vijayan's decision to offer Natesan a lift in his official car to the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, stating that the CM had the right to his actions. However, Viswam indicated he would present his own opinion for the public to judge.
In a pointed reference, Viswam also brought up Natesan's recent jibe against a television reporter, where the SNDP leader allegedly called the journalist a terrorist. "People would judge whether a person's reputation would go up or come down when he calls a journalist a terrorist," Viswam remarked, broadening the critique to question Natesan's public conduct. This layer adds a dimension of media freedom and personal reputation to the political and financial allegations.
The public disagreement between a senior CPI leader and a prominent social organization head like Vellappally Natesan highlights the complex and often contentious alliances within Kerala politics. It raises questions about funding transparency, coalition dynamics, and the public discourse between political and community leaders. The offer to return the funds hangs as a direct challenge, waiting for Natesan's next move.
