Payyanur, the beating heart of Left ideology in Kannur, witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday as expelled CPI-M veteran V. Kunjikrishnan released his tell-all book, launching fresh salvos at party bosses over fund mismanagement. Under stringent police cover mandated by the Kerala High Court, hundreds gathered to witness the veteran leader’s unfiltered takedown.
Just days after his expulsion for breaching discipline by publicizing irregularities in the Dharmaraj Shaheed Fund, Kunjikrishnan doubled down. The Kannur district unit erupted in controversy, with leadership decrying his outbursts. Yet, at the launch of ‘Netrutvathile Anikal Thiruthanam’ (Cadre Should Rectify Leadership), he framed his actions as a call for renewal.
Kunjikrishnan stressed that CPI-M thrives on internal critique, but today dissenters are treated as foes. He painted a grim picture of eroded accountability, claiming martyr funds are being pilfered while leaders protect the guilty. Drawing parallels to West Bengal’s dramatic downfall after decades in power, he implored Kerala cadres: ‘Act now to avert our own decline.’
The leader revealed ongoing online harassment since his revelations. Joseph C. Mathew, keynoter and ex-IT official ousted amid tensions between CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Achuthanandan, praised the book as factual reportage. Dedicated to Achuthanandan, it evokes his own Politburo sidelining for questioning wrongs.
‘Payyanur must demand accountability,’ Mathew asserted, underscoring the town’s historic role. Heavy security neutralized potential unrest, allowing the event to conclude peacefully. As debates rage, Kunjikrishnan’s book keeps the pressure on CPI-M’s Kerala machinery.
