Defiance defined Wednesday in Payyanur, Kannur’s Left bastion, where V. Kunjikrishnan – freshly booted from CPI-M – unveiled his scathing book amid tight security from a High Court directive. Accusing Kerala unit finances of deep rot, particularly the Dharmaraj Martyr Fund, the event amplified a rift shaking the party’s core.
Expelled last week for ‘indiscipline’ after voicing financial misconduct claims, Kunjikrishnan turned the launch into a platform for reform. His book, ‘Netrutvathile Anikal Thiruthanam’ (Correcting Leadership Flaws by Cadre), insists his goal is party salvation, rooted in traditions of criticism and self-reflection.
Dissent, he charged, is now equated with betrayal. Accountability has plummeted, enabling misuse of sacred martyr funds, with top brass allegedly covering for offenders. Citing West Bengal’s plunge from power after 34 years, Kunjikrishnan rallied base-level members: ‘Stand up, reform leaders before Kerala crumbles too.’
He disclosed persistent social media vitriol post-allegations. Guest speaker Joseph C. Mathew, Achuthanandan’s former aide removed during Vijayan-Achuthanandan clashes, called it a ‘factual chronicle’ and urged solidarity with truth. Dedicated to the late leader, the book mirrors his isolation for challenging party missteps.
Evoking Payyanur’s legacy, Mathew pressed for resolutions. Police presence quelled tensions, ensuring a smooth affair. The saga underscores brewing unrest in CPI-M’s Kannur fiefdom, with Kunjikrishnan’s voice refusing to fade.