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CPI-M Rebellion in Kerala: Rebel Leaders Allege Secret BJP Deal

The CPI-M is facing an unusual internal rebellion in Thiruvananthapuram just weeks before crucial local body elections. Two senior leaders have openly revolted after being denied party tickets and are now contesting as independents. What makes this rebellion particularly damaging are allegations of a secret understanding between CPI-M leadership and the BJP. This internal crisis has handed political ammunition to the Congress while threatening the Left's chances in the triangular fight for control of the capital's corporation.

Key Points: CPI-M Faces Internal Revolt in Thiruvananthapuram Over Tickets

  • Senior leader Annie Ashokan alleges secret BJP-CPI-M deal in Chembazhanthi ward
  • Rebellion spreads to Vazhotukonam with K.V. Mohanan also contesting independently
  • Congress seizes opportunity to accuse Left of BJP understanding
  • Unrest threatens to expand to Ulloor ward with more potential rebels
  • Internal revolt deals organizational blow to LDF's election prospects
2 min read

CPI-M faces internal revolt in Thiruvananthapuram as rebel leaders allege 'deal' with BJP

Two senior CPI-M leaders rebel, contest as independents after ticket denial, allege secret BJP deal with party leadership ahead of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.

"Kadakampally has always fielded weak candidates to help the BJP win. This time too, he denied me a seat - Annie Ashokan"

Thiruvananthapuram Nov 12

In a major embarrassment for Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which is aiming to retain control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the upcoming local body elections, internal rebellion has erupted within its leading party, the CPI-M.

Generally, in the strong cadre party of CPI-M, rebellion happens very rarely, unlike in the Congress and the BJP.

However, now, two local leaders, Annie Ashokan and K.V. Mohanan, on Wednesday came out openly against the party, announcing their decision to contest as independents after being denied tickets.

The dissidence has broken out in the Chembazhanthi and Vazhotukonam wards, with reports now emerging that unrest may spread to Ulloor, where another party member is reportedly considering an independent bid.

At the centre of the storm is Chembazhanthi local committee member Annie Ashokan, who has accused senior CPI-M leader and MLA Kadakampally Surendran of striking a covert understanding with the BJP.

She alleged that her exclusion was part of a political deal to ensure the BJP's electoral gains in select wards. "Kadakampally has always fielded weak candidates to help the BJP win. This time too, he denied me a seat and brought in a candidate unknown to the people here," she said.

Ashokan, who served as Kazhakkoottam Block Panchayat President from 2004 to 2010, claimed that she faced discrimination and humiliation within the party.

"I have been active for over three decades. The leadership ignored my contributions and buried every complaint I raised," she said, adding that despite her loyalty, she was forced to rebel.

Former branch secretary Mohanan from Vazhotukonam also announced his independent candidature after being denied a ticket.

The allegations have triggered a political storm, with the Congress seizing on the issue to accuse the CPI-M of a "secret understanding" with the BJP.

The rebellion, coming just weeks ahead of polling, has dealt a moral and organisational blow to the LDF's efforts to consolidate control over the capital's civic body.

In the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a blistering triangular fight has begun with the Left, BJP, and the Congress-led UDF engaged in a fight to finish.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Thiruvananthapuram, I've seen Annie Ashokan's work in Kazhakkoottam. She was quite popular. If the party is ignoring experienced women leaders, no wonder there's rebellion. This could cost LDF dearly in the corporation elections.
M
Michael C
While I respect the need for party discipline, denying tickets to experienced local leaders and bringing unknown candidates seems counterproductive. The allegations of BJP deal-making need proper investigation though - might just be political rhetoric.
S
Shreya B
Typical political drama before elections! Every party does this - deny tickets to sitting members, create rebellion, then blame opponents. The common people suffer while politicians play their games. 😒
A
Ananya R
If these allegations are true, it's very disappointing. CPI-M and BJP are ideologically opposite. How can there be any understanding between them? This shows how principles are being compromised for power politics in Kerala.
K
Karthik V
The timing is perfect for Congress to gain advantage. With triangular fight in Corporation, every seat matters. LDF needs to handle this rebellion carefully or they might lose their grip on Thiruvananthapuram. Interesting times ahead!

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