Crisis brews in Kerala CPI after leaked audio targets state secretary Binoy Viswam

IANS June 11, 2025 459 views

A leaked audio clip has sparked turmoil in Kerala’s CPI, with senior leaders openly criticizing State Secretary Binoy Viswam. The recording, featuring Kamala Sadanandan and K.M. Dinakaran, accuses Viswam of weak leadership and undue family influence. The controversy comes ahead of the party’s crucial state conference in September, where Viswam seeks re-election. The CPI leadership is now scrambling to contain the fallout and prevent further damage.

"It was too early to comment on what action would be taken." – Binoy Viswam
Crisis brews in Kerala CPI after leaked audio targets state secretary Binoy Viswam
Thiruvananthapuram, June 11: Trouble appears to be brewing within the Kerala unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI), the second-largest ally in the CPI(M)-led ruling Left Front in the state.

Key Points

1

Leaked audio features CPI leaders Kamala Sadanandan and K.M. Dinakaran criticizing Viswam

2

Controversy erupts over alleged family influence in party affairs

3

CPI considers emergency meeting amid growing internal dissent

4

Crisis complicates Viswam’s re-election bid ahead of state conference

On Wednesday, tensions escalated as State Secretary Binoy Viswam was reportedly left upset over a leaked audio clip targeting him that has stirred internal discontent.

The CPI leadership is now grappling with the fallout of the audio, which features two senior party leaders making critical remarks about Viswam -- a former Rajya Sabha MP and State Minister (2006–2011).

The leak, which has found its way into the media, has embarrassed the party and particularly hurt Viswam.

The conversation was between Kamala Sadanandan, a state executive committee member, and K.M. Dinakaran, a state council member and Ernakulam district secretary.

The trouble began when Kamala received a phone call during their discussion. Without her knowing, the call did not disconnect, and the subsequent conversation -- in which both leaders criticised Viswam’s leadership and suggested he might even be forced to resign -- was recorded and leaked.

Adding fuel to the fire, the duo also allegedly referred to a close family member of Viswam who is said to be exerting undue influence on party affairs.

The leaked audio has caused considerable embarrassment within party ranks. The CPI top brass is now considering convening an emergency meeting to defuse the situation and contain the damage.

Reacting to the controversy, Viswam said on Wednesday that it was too early to comment on what action would be taken.

Viswam had assumed charge as State Secretary in December 2023, following the death of his predecessor Kanam Rajendran. Since then, he has faced internal criticism, notably from 83-year-old veteran leader K.E. Ismail, who was suspended from the party in March this year.

The party also drew criticism earlier this year when the family of late senior leader and former legislator P. Raju accused it of mistreatment.

These developments come at a sensitive time for the CPI, which is preparing for its state conference in Alappuzha this September. Viswam is widely expected to seek re-election as state secretary, but the ongoing turbulence may complicate his path.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really unfortunate for CPI. Kerala politics is already complex enough without internal leaks and backbiting. Binoy Viswam is an experienced leader - hope they resolve this matter internally without damaging the party's image further. Left parties should maintain discipline!
P
Priya M.
Audio leaks have become the new normal in Indian politics 😒 First Delhi, now Kerala. But seriously, if senior leaders are discussing such matters so casually, it shows deep divisions within CPI. The Left Front can't afford this before elections!
A
Arjun S.
As someone from Kerala, I've noticed CPI losing ground to CPI(M) in recent years. These internal fights only weaken them further. Viswam needs to show strong leadership now - either take action or step aside. Party before individuals!
S
Sneha R.
The mention of family influence is concerning. Communist parties should be the last place for nepotism! Hope they conduct a fair investigation. Kerala deserves better from its Left leaders 🤞
V
Vikram N.
Interesting timing - just before state conference. This seems more like factional politics than genuine concerns. CPI needs to remember its core values instead of behaving like other parties. Disappointed as a long-time supporter.
M
Meena T.
Technology is exposing all political secrets these days! But jokes aside, this leak shows how personal politics has become. Communist leaders should lead by example - resolve differences through democratic discussions, not private criticisms.

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Tags:
Kerala CPI crisis Binoy Viswam Kamala Sadanandan K.M. Dinakaran Left Front Communist Party of India