Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the growing discontent within the party over the controversy in connection with actor and MLA Mukesh, CPM is likely to denounce him as a case has been registered on Thursday in connection with the sexual allegations. If the actor is unable to prove his innocence, the situation would get worse and an arrest could not be avoided. If such a situation arises, it is likely that the party would denounce the actor to save its face before the supporters and the public.

As of now, CPM has taken a stand not to denounce the MLA in public. Still, it is said that a direction from the leadership has gone to the lower rungs to restrain from expressing support to the actor on social media and other platforms. 

The party doesn’t want to ask for resignation from Mukesh, as the leadership thinks they could defend the stand by citing the examples of UDF MLAs Eldhose Kunnappilly and M Vincent who had not resigned when similar allegations were levelled against them. The UDF too treads carefully here, as they have taken a stand that let the CPM and MLA decide about the resignation.

While justifying the party stand, LDF convener EP Jayarajan has come out citing the examples of Eldhose Kunnappilly and M Vincent. But insiders point out that, if the situation gets worse and an arrest seems inevitable, the party would be forced to take a decision to denounce Mukesh.

Tussle among District leadership

The relationship between the district leadership of CPM and Kollam MLA has not been going well for some time now. They point out that the MLA is not cooperating with the party programmes in Kollam. The defeat in the parliament election has only worsened the situation.

In the wake of the controversy, the government  had asked Mukesh to step down from the cinema policy-making committee. Some party leaders have already expressed their doubts regarding the situation as it would dent the image of the party in public. They say that if the party protects the actor, they would face serious setbacks in the district in the coming elections.

CPI stand

Meanwhile, CPI has taken a strong stand regarding the controversy and has demanded stringent measures from CPM. CPI leader Annie Raja has demanded the resignation of Mukesh on Thursday morning. CPI has called an emergency executive meeting to discuss the matter. CPM secretariat meeting, scheduled to be held on Friday, is expected to take a decision.

Interestingly, Mukesh has been unavailable for comments since Thursday morning, as he has disappeared from the glaring gaze of the media. It is said that he had informed the CM about the situation as a conspiracy is being hatched to unsettle the party and tarnish his image. The ‘vanishing act’ of the actor too has led to speculations of tough action from the part of CPM.