‘Pinarayi’s tone threatening; Why didn't party clear doubts if public was misled?’ Ex-CPM leader

Payyannur (Kerala): Former CPM leader and Independent MLA V Kunhikrishnan has launched a scathing attack against CPM state leadership and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding their explanations for the party’s election defeat in Payyannur. Strongly challenging Pinarayi’s stand that confusion and misunderstandings among party cadre and the public led to the loss, Kunhikrishnan accused the leadership of resorting to threats rather than self-correction.

He stated that when Pinarayi Vijayan arrived to explain party policy, people expected a convincing response on major ongoing controversies, including the monthly payment issue involving Veena Vijayan and the Chief Minister. However, Pinarayi showed no willingness to address or even mention these matters. Kunhikrishnan remarked that despite the Central Committee identifying flaws in candidate selection, Pinarayi delivered a defiant speech instead of rectifying mistakes.

Rebutting Pinarayi’s argument that voters were misled, Kunhikrishnan pointed out that his book launch took place on January 4, while polling occurred on April 9. He questioned why the party failed to address and clarify these perceived misunderstandings during the long interval.

He clarified that no new organizational issues had cropped up in Payyannur, adding that leaders have merely been repeating the exact points he raised within the party over the last five to six years since his expulsion. He noted that the party’s attempts to clear the air failed to gain public acceptance due to a lack of convincing explanations.

Kunhikrishnan warned that dissatisfaction with the party is growing across Kerala, not just in Payyannur. He stated that Kerala has not turned into West Bengal only because this internal discontent has not yet boiled over into an outright explosion.

He highlighted that losing a constituency previously held with a majority of nearly 50,000 votes, leading to an Opposition victory by around 7,500 votes, is no minor setback. He added that if the party claims a single individual managed to mislead so many people, the public will naturally question what election work the party was doing all along.

He further dismissed press conference statements by K K Ragesh regarding the “masses and the general public" as laughable.

He firmly denied Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegation that he conspired with political rivals while serving in party leadership. Kunhikrishnan stated he held no discussions or agreements with any political party prior to announcing his candidacy. He explained that he had no initial intention to contest but was ultimately forced into the fray.

Kunhikrishnan asserted that he did not seek out anyone even after entering the race, and that the UDF extended unconditional support, which he merely accepted as a candidate. He challenged the CPM to present evidence to the public if they have any proof of a prior conspiracy. He added that his book clearly documents the CPM's consistent approach of protecting wrongdoers.

Responding to CPM district secretary K K Ragesh’s threat to face him in court, Kunhikrishnan stated he would deal with legal proceedings if they arise, asserting it poses no challenge to him. He clarified that there are currently no cases pending against him, as an election petition filed was deferred by the court due to technical flaws.

He added that he has not received notice of any defamation suit, though he has formally responded to the legal notice served on him, leaving the next step to the party.