NewKerala.com

Key Points

A controversy has erupted in Kerala's political landscape involving CPI(M) leaders and allegations of financial impropriety. Former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh have strongly denied claims made by a Chennai-based businessman about leaked confidential documents. The party leadership, including General Secretary M.A. Baby, has dismissed the allegations as baseless and nonsensical. Opposition parties are demanding Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan address the issue, escalating the political tension.

Key Points: CPI(M) Leaders Isaac and Rajesh Slam Leaked Letter Controversy

  • CPI(M) leaders reject allegations of illegal financial transactions
  • Muhammad Sharshad claims confidential document leak
  • Thomas Isaac threatens defamation suit
  • Party leadership dismisses claims as baseless
2 min read

CPI(M) leaders blame media for raking up controversy over 'leaked' letter on social media

Kerala CPI(M) leaders defend against allegations of financial impropriety, blame media for sensationalizing social media claims

"This so-called letter has been making the rounds in social media since the past four years. - M.B. Rajesh, Kerala Minister"

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 18

A day after a fresh controversy centering around a 'leaked letter' broke out and hit the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala, a former state minister on Monday said if an apology doesn't come from the person who levelled the allegation, he would file a defamation suit.

Former Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac said if he (Muhammad Sharshad) doesn't apologise and withdraw his allegation, "I will take it to its logical conclusion. The media should not have made this an issue as the contents of the now so-called 'leaked letter' were posted in his social media long back."

State Local Self Government Minister, M.B. Rajesh, who has also been accused by Muhammad Sharshad of having allegedly received illegal gratification from London-based businessman Rajesh Krishna, said the media should not behave irresponsibly.

"This so-called letter has been making the rounds in social media since the past four years. Every time when elections approach something or the other surfaces. Last election time it was an allegation against my wife. What happened to it? Before it used to hurt me, but now I am least bothered," said the Minister.

It was on Sunday that the controversy surfaced after a Chennai-based businessman alleged that Shyam, son of CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, was involved in leaking a confidential complaint submitted to the party's Politburo.

The Chennai-based businessman, Muhammad Sharshad, said he had submitted a complaint disclosing alleged illegal financial transactions involving certain CPI(M) leaders.

The leaders named include Isaac, M.B. Rajesh, former Speaker and a few others.

According to him, the documents attached to his petition were leaked and later surfaced as evidence in a defamation case filed by London-based businessman Rajesh Krishna.

Meanwhile, emerging from the CPI(M) Politburo meeting in New Delhi on Monday, party General Secretary M.A. Baby said he had just come out for lunch and had to return for the meeting.

"There is no response for baseless allegations," said Baby, while Govindan said he does not "react to nonsense" when he was asked about it just ahead of the meeting.

Meanwhile, top Opposition party leaders from the BJP and the Congress have slammed the CPI(M) and its leaders for the way they operate on the sly and have demanded that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan break his silence on this issue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
If the letter was on social media for 4 years, why react now? Both sides seem fishy. Kerala politics needs more transparency - whether it's LDF or UDF or BJP. Enough of this drama!
A
Arjun K
As a neutral observer, I find it concerning how quickly our leaders dismiss serious allegations as "baseless" without proper investigation. The defamation suit threat seems like an attempt to silence critics rather than seek truth.
K
Kavya N
Media is equally to blame here! They amplify unverified claims for TRPs. But CPI(M) can't keep saying "political conspiracy" for every allegation. People deserve answers, not just dismissive comments. Kerala deserves better governance!
M
Michael C
Interesting how this surfaces before elections. As an expat watching Kerala politics, the pattern is too predictable. Both media and politicians need to grow up and focus on real issues like unemployment and infrastructure.
S
Shreya B
The way leaders say "I don't react to nonsense" shows their arrogance. Even if allegations are false, they should address concerns respectfully. We elected them, they owe us proper explanations, not this attitude! 😤

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