Senior CPM Leader Shailaja Rejects Sudhakaran's Allegations on Statue Demolition
In a significant political development from Peravoor, Kannur, senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader K K Shailaja has firmly dismissed allegations raised by former party veteran G Sudhakaran concerning the demolition of a statue of communist leader P Krishna Pillai in Alappuzha. The controversy has reignited political tensions in the region, with Shailaja questioning the motives behind Sudhakaran's claims.
Timing and Intent Questioned in Statue Demolition Allegations
Responding to queries from The Times of India regarding Sudhakaran's suggestion that minister Saji Cherian played a role in the statue's demolition years ago, Shailaja expressed skepticism about the timing of these allegations. "G Sudhakaran was part of this party for so many years, and the incident he refers to happened long ago. Why is he coming out with such claims only after leaving the party?" she asked pointedly.
Shailaja emphasized that it is reasonable to suspect the allegations are politically motivated and directly linked to Sudhakaran's exit from the CPM. Her remarks come amid a simmering political row in Alappuzha over the alleged demolition, an issue that has resurfaced following Sudhakaran's statements during a recent news channel interview.
Condemnation of Derogatory Remarks Against MLA U Pratibha
In addition to addressing the statue controversy, Shailaja strongly condemned alleged derogatory remarks made against MLA U Pratibha. She stated unequivocally that such comments against any woman are completely unacceptable. "The general stand is clear: no such comments should be made against any woman. The remarks made are not just defamatory, but criminal in nature," she asserted.
However, when questioned about whether the CPM has taken similar action in past instances where women leaders like K K Rema or Ramya Haridas were targeted, Shailaja maintained that it is inappropriate to counter a specific issue by citing other incidents. "It is not the approach to respond to a particular issue by bringing up other arguments," she clarified.
Political Context and Internal Dissent Within CPM
These statements emerge at a critical juncture when internal dissent within the CPM and allegations of political targeting have intensified in the run-up to the assembly elections. Leaders are actively trading charges over past incidents and conduct, highlighting the deepening fractures within the party.
The controversy surrounding the P Krishna Pillai statue demolition has become a focal point in these political exchanges, with Shailaja's dismissal of Sudhakaran's claims reflecting the party's stance on maintaining unity and addressing allegations with caution. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of Kerala politics, where historical events and personal grievances often resurface during election periods.
