A Padmakumar
Delegates said CPM was seen to be shielding Padmakumar throughout the controversy, casting suspicion on the party itself. Delegates said had he been removed in time, CPM wouldn’t have suffered such a blow, and the impact was felt across the state, not only in Pathanamthitta. Differences between former minister Veena George and local party functionaries contributed to her rout in Aranmula, some delegates said. They said CPM couldn’t counter media attacks on her, while she too failed to work in sync with the party. If medical treatment was the reason, the party should have been informed, they said. Delegates said even if it could be argued that the CMRL dealings weren’t legally wrong, the question remained whether they were morally right. Delegates said such responses damage the party’s public standing and leaders must realise the media and social media are watching round the clock and every word and action is being scrutinised.
Kottayam: Delegates at CPM ’s extended Pathanamthitta district committee meeting criticised the party for delaying action against former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar in the Sabarimala gold theft case. They pointed out that no action was taken even after he spent nearly three months in jail. Action was taken against the then district committee member only after the electoral defeat. She hasn’t been active in the party since the polls, delegates noted. A lack of clarity has given rise to misinterpretations, they added. The Exalogic case, involving leader of the opposition Pinarayi Vijayan ’s daughter, also came in for criticism. Vijayan’s response to a question during the election campaign at Konni, asking an audience member to go home and ask, was also criticised.
The delay hurt the party’s image and its performance in the assembly elections, said the participants during the meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday.