A storm is brewing within Kerala’s CPI(M) as the phrase ‘class traitor’ becomes a lightning rod for criticism following a string of high-profile exits. Veteran leaders V. Kunjikrishnan and T.K. Govindan, pillars of the party for over 50 years, departed amid allegations of internal discrimination. Party hardliners quickly labeled them betrayers, alienating grassroots supporters who once idolized them.
The rhetoric escalated with protests against these stalwarts, a far cry from past adulation. G. Sudhakaran, a former minister, declared an independent bid with Congress support, while S. Rajendran and Ayesha Potti jumped to BJP and Congress respectively, earning swift nominations. These shifts are supercharging the electoral atmosphere.
Double standards abound, say observers. CPI(M) rolled out the red carpet for Congress turncoats K.P. Anil Kumar and Dr. Sarin, fast-tracking the latter into candidacy. Now, whispers of IUML’s Abdurrahman Randathani joining the fold from Malappuram add to the intrigue.
Experts argue this cherry-picking undermines CPI(M)’s ideological purity, portraying it as opportunistic ahead of crucial polls. With defections testing alliances, the party must reconcile its rhetoric with reality to maintain credibility in Kerala’s cutthroat political arena.