A local CPM leader in Thiruvananthapuram has been removed from the party’s candidates’ list after internal complaints accused him of “liking” a social media post critical of the Chief Minister and his family. He has now decided to enter the Kerala body polls as an independent.

Nomination withdrawn during campaign

The CPM cancelled the nomination of B. Sreekandan, former vice-president of the Pullampara panchayat and chairman of the Panchayat Development Standing Committee, while he was already campaigning in the area.

Party sources said the district committee acted after receiving internal complaints from Pullampara. The decision was communicated while the campaign was under way.

Leader quits party panel, opts for independent fight

Sreekandan said he had handed over his resignation to the local committee secretary and would now contest as an independent. He had also been serving as the Pullampara local committee secretary.

Social media action sparks disciplinary move

According to party workers, Sreekandan had marked a “like” on a social media post that criticised the Chief Minister and members of his family during the Parliament election period. The issue was escalated to both district and state leaderships of ruling CPM, with demand for his removal from the candidates’ list.

The district committee then intervened and cancelled his nomination.