Pathanamthitta: The stance of CPM Kannur district secretary M V Jayarajan in the controversy surrounding the death of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu has placed the party’s Pathanamthitta unit in a delicate position. While reiterating that there is no difference in the CPM’s stance between Kannur and Pathanamthitta, Jayarajan’s divergent position has surfaced. In a situation where one group claims the ADM accepted bribes while another denies, Jayarajan commented that a comprehensive investigation is needed to determine the truth. 

This has put the Pathanamthitta leadership in a difficult position, as they have never asserted that Naveen Babu was guilty. From the outset, the Pathanamthitta unit announced their support for Naveen Babu’s family, leaving the state leadership unable to voice a differing opinion. However, the Kannur unit complicated matters by issuing a statement portraying P P Divya as an anti-corruption crusader, leading to accusations of a dual stance within the party. This was further strengthened by a statement from DYFI supporting Divya.

Amid this situation, state secretary M V Govindan visited Naveen Babu’s home. His response was clear: “There are no dual stances in the party, and what I say is the final word.” He emphasised that the party has a single stance, which is aligned with Naveen Babu’s family.

Pathanamthitta district secretary K P Udayabhanu reinforced this sentiment with a Facebook post, stating, “We are with the victim, not with the hunter.” Following this, Jayarajan’s statement, which cast doubt on Naveen Babu, emerged at a time when open responses had subsided.