CPM-PSC controversy: CPM takes action following corruption allegations against youth leader

Kozhikode: The CPM has taken action following allegations of corruption against a prominent youth leader, which has plunged the party into crisis. Pramod Kottooli, a member of the Kozhikode Town Area Committee and district secretary of CITU, is facing ouster after accusations surfaced alleging bribery charges for facilitating membership into the Kerala PSC.

The district secretariat meeting, which was scheduled for Monday to discuss the matter, did not convene but a resolution is expected soon. The complaint alleges that Pramod demanded Rs 60 lakh to secure PSC membership for a person, of which Rs 22 lakh was reportedly paid. It was claimed that Minister PA Mohamed Riyas would ensure approval for the membership.

Minister Mohamed Riyas himself has called for an investigation into the matter. The party conducted its own inquiry and confirmed details of the transaction, which came to light during attempts to settle the complaint by returning the money.

There are murmurs within party circles suggesting that Pramod may not have acted alone, although no further investigations into involvement of others have been initiated. Despite Pramod's close ties with two influential leaders in Kozhikode, the probe did not extend to them either. Calls to probe further into others allegedly involved were reportedly disregarded.

Internal factionalism within the party allegedly played a role in exposing the bribery scandal just as efforts were on to reconcile differences. This may also explain why Minister PA Mohamed Riyas's name was mentioned, despite Pramod’s association with the accused leaders of the district.

In response to media inquiries, Pramod denied the allegations, stating that he had not solicited bribes for PSC membership and had not accepted any money. According to him, the party, has not yet officially seeked clarification from him.

False propaganda against me; Legal action will be taken - PA Mohamed Riyas

Minister PA Mohamed Riyas stated in the assembly that he had only received information from media reports regarding allegations that a CPM leader accepted bribes in exchange for membership in the Thiruvananthapuram PSC. He emphasised that such accusations against him are consistently causing unnecessary issues, and people understand their intent.

He further declared that if such actions continue unchecked, legal measures will be pursued against those activities which pose a threat to democracy.