Embarrassment over autobiography: CPM struggles to tackle ‘poll day conundrum’ and estranged EP

Kannur: Once again, the LDF finds itself on a troubled wicket, facing yet another controversy on an election day. What makes the situation more embarrassing is that the individuals behind these glitches are from within their own ranks, putting the leadership in a difficult position to defend their actions before the party rank and file.

This marks the second consecutive time that CPM central committee member and former minister EP Jayarajan has placed his party in a tough spot. During the polling day of the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, EP made headlines by confirming reports about his meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, unsettling the LDF in the final moments of the campaign.

Now, as voters cast their ballots in the tightly contested elections in Wayanad and Chelakkara, EP has once again grabbed the media's attention. Some pages from his upcoming autobiography have been leaked, causing another embarrassment for the CPM. While the leadership had dismissed his earlier gaffe as an accidental slip due to lack of vigilance, this time they tread cautiously, suspecting the shock may be premeditated and part of a conspiracy.

VS Was the First to Strike

It was former Chief Minister Achuthanandan who set a precedent for undermining the party on election day. He visited the house of slain RMP leader TP Chandrasekharan and consoled his widow, KK Rema, on the day of the Neyyattinkara by-election. VS, who had strongly opposed the party’s stance on the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, chose the day of the by-election to make his visit. The party saw this as a deliberate move to strike at the wrong time.

For the CPM, the Neyyattinkara by-election was especially important, as they were trying to defeat UDF candidate R Selavaraj, who had defected from the CPM to Congress. The contest was fierce, but the CPM ultimately lost, with Selavaraj winning by a margin of 6,000 votes. In the post-poll analysis, the party concluded that one of the key reasons for their defeat was VS's untimely visit to KK Rema on polling day.

Poll Day Gaffe by Jayarajan

Many within the party feel the current situation mirrors VS's actions during the Neyyattinkara by-election. However, what makes it worse this time is the repeated blunder by a senior leader like EP Jayarajan. After his poll day slip regarding his meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar during the Lok Sabha election, he is now at the center of a fresh controversy involving the leak of portions from his autobiography.

During the Lok Sabha election, EP’s confirmation of the meeting with Javadekar left the LDF scrambling to justify their position, as both the LDF and UDF were engaged in accusations over ties with the BJP. Though EP later clarified that the meeting was purely personal, the damage was done, and even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had to publicly rebuke him for a lack of vigilance concerning such relationships. Eventually, Jayarajan was removed from his position as LDF convener due to this lack of caution.

The Controversial Autobiography

Now, as the CPM faces yet another crucial test in the by-elections in Chelakkara, Wayanad, and Palakkad, Jayarajan finds himself back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Despite EP’s claims that his autobiography Kattan Chayayum Parippu Vadayum has not been completed, and that he has not agreed to release it, leaked pages from the book have stirred fresh controversy.

“How could my autobiography be released without my knowledge?” EP told reporters. “I am still writing it, and I haven’t even finalised a publisher. How can a publishing house announce a release date without my consent? This is clearly a conspiracy. I’ll take legal action over this,” he said.

The leaked pages, however, have caused considerable damage. They include harsh criticisms of the second Pinarayi government, with EP suggesting that it is not as effective as the first one. The pages also call for a political and organisational overhaul to strengthen the party and government. Jayarajan questions the selection of candidates for the byelections, specifically mentioning that candidates like Sarin could become a burden for the party in the future. He further states that time will tell whether selecting Sarin was the right decision. Worse, the leaked portions claim that EP was removed from his post as LDF convener without being given a chance to explain himself.

Meanwhile, the publishing house has announced the postponement of the book's release. While they have delayed the publication, they have not denied the leaked contents. CPM state secretary MV Govindan has said that the party is currently inclined to believe EP’s version of events regarding the incident.

Crucial Days Ahead for Both CPM and Jayarajan

However, the party takes up the issue seriously as controversies continue to shake up the party during two elections in the name of a senior party leader. The timing of these controversies raises many questions too. Jayarajan wants to uncover the truth behind the untimely publication of the leaked pages from the autobiography. Even if there is a conspiracy behind the leak of his autobiography, the source of the leak remains unclear. Who is behind the leak and what is their agenda? Will the autobiography ever be published? These are questions that will likely be answered in the days following the elections.

Both EP Jayarajan and the CPM are facing crucial challenges as party workers and political observers closely watch the unfolding drama surrounding the former leader’s controversial autobiography.