Illegal financial dealings: Former MLA George M Thomas suspended from CPM

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM state secretariat meeting on Friday approved the decision of the Kozhikode district secretariat to suspend former MLA George M Thomas from the party for one year. This action comes following an investigation conducted by a two-member commission appointed by the Kozhikode district committee to probe complaints against Thomas. The state secretariat, in the presence of state secretary MV Govindan, endorsed the district secretariat's decision based on the commission's report.

The suspension of George M Thomas, who is also a member of the district secretariat, will be a significant setback for the CPM, particularly in hilly areas. The party leadership will face the challenge of explaining the allegations against a senior leader accused of illegal financial dealings with quarry-crusher owners and contractors. Notably, the complaint leading to the action was filed by party members themselves, including an area committee member.

The primary allegation against George M Thomas is the unauthorised acquisition of construction materials from quarry-crusher units for building houses. Additionally, he claimed to weaken CPM's prospects in the Kodenchery panchayat during the previous local government elections. It is also alleged that he assisted the Congress in forming a cooperative society in Kodenchery.

The complainant said he submitted evidence to the commission suggesting that George M Thomas received money from contractors involved in the controversial Kaithapoyil-Agastianmuzhi road renovation work. Complaints were made to the district committee eight times regarding these issues. However, no action was taken, leading to the matter being escalated to the state committee, the complainant claimed.

The complaint also highlights the deep-rooted factionalism within the CPM in the Thiruvambady constituency. Previously, Thomas had caused a major headache for the party with his controversial remarks about a leader's marriage in Kodenchery. These remarks were publicly denied by the DYFI and CPM district leadership. He later attributed his comments to a slip of the tongue.