Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM finds itself in a tight spot after a confidential complaint submitted to the politburo surfaced as an official record in court. Even after the issue was made public, the party leadership has not offered any clarification. Meanwhile, Rajesh Krishna, a CPM member based in London, submitted a sworn affidavit to the Delhi High Court confirming that the complaint presented was indeed the one held by the PB.

Rajesh Krishna had filed a private suit in the Delhi High Court, alleging that he was removed from his position as a delegate to the Madurai Party Congress based on a false complaint. The case includes a complaint filed against him by Chennai-based businessman Mohammed Sharshad.

As questions arise over how the PB’s internal complaint reached Rajesh Krishna, efforts have emerged from within CPM circles—especially in cyberspace—to deny the document as an official party record. However, Rajesh has submitted in court a certified copy of the letter allegedly sent by Mohammed Sharshad to the PB, and has testified to its authenticity with his signature.

If the CPM claims the letter is fake or was not submitted to the PB, Rajesh could be accused of fabricating evidence. On the other hand, if the party admits to receiving the letter, it will have to explain how it was leaked.

PB to meet on Monday

The CPM politburo is expected to discuss the leak at its meeting on Monday. This is the first PB meeting since Mohammed Sharshad sent a letter to party general Secretary M A Baby demanding an investigation into the matter. PB member Dr Ashok Dhawale, to whom the complaint was handed over by Sharshad, has not responded to the allegations.

What happened: The trail of the leaked complaint

The leak: Mohammed Sharshad had submitted a complaint to the PB raising serious allegations against CPM leaders, including accusations of involvement in hawala money transactions. The complaint also targeted Rajesh Krishna, who was set to represent the party at the CPM Congress from London.

Legal challenge: Rajesh Krishna filed a private legal suit in the Delhi High Court, claiming his removal as a delegate was based on a fabricated complaint. He included the complaint from Sharshad as part of the court documents.

Who leaked the letter?

Meanwhile, Sharshad has alleged that the confidential PB document was leaked to Rajesh by Shyam, the son of CPM State Secretary M V Govindan. Sharshad made this claim in a letter sent to general secretary M A Baby via email on August 12. That email, too, was subsequently leaked.

The email alleged that the leak was part of a financial settlement involving Shyam, who is said to have close ties with Rajesh Krishna. Sharshad is demanding an investigation into how the document was leaked.