Kozhikode: Veteran CPM leader EP Jayarajan’s autobiography, yet to be officially released, is already in the centre of a controversy following leak of its contents. 

Despite Jayarajan dismissing media reports, the revelations that have surfaced paint a candid and somewhat critical picture of his life within the Communist Party of India (Marxist), reflecting on his personal and political struggles, including feelings of betrayal by party colleagues.

The leaked excerpts highlight the emotional toll of Jayarajan’s long commitment to the party, particularly his struggles with internal politics and sacrifice. In the final sections of the book, he explicitly states that he did not wish to release it before the ongoing by-elections, warning that its contents could be "controversial" if published too soon. 

Speculation around Jayarajan's ambitions to succeed Kodiyeri Balakrishnan as the CPM state secretary had circulated for some time, especially given his close ties with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, his hopes were dashed when MV Govindan was appointed to the position, a development that reportedly hurt Jayarajan deeply. Despite his significant contributions to the party, including his prominent role in fundraising, Jayarajan's career has been marked by controversy, including the decision to collect substantial sums—Rs 2 crore from lottery king Santiago Martin and Rs 1 crore from Kochi-based LIS—along with the sale of party land in Thiruvananthapuram to a private businessman.

Jayarajan’s political career also faced setbacks, particularly in 2016, when he resigned as a minister following a controversy surrounding the appointment of a relative. Despite these challenges, his autobiography portrays him as a man of "communist consciousness," eager to reveal his truth about the internal workings of the party, including contentious discussions on sensitive issues.

However, questions linger about the timing of the book’s release.

In an effort to clarify the situation, Jayarajan has filed a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the release of the book's content. Sources at DC Books, the publisher, confirmed that a formal agreement was made for the book's release, although the publication was delayed for technical reasons. Jayarajan’s complaint, however, does not dispute these claims, nor is DC Books named in it.

In his complaint, Jayarajan stated, "...This criminal act is done and published, on the crucial day of polling in the current by-election, deliberately with malicious intention. The aforesaid act of forgery, preparation of forged document and using it as genuine, by giving vite publicity is likely to have wide impact in the social and political arena of the State. Hence this complaint is preferred for a proper investigation and registration of crime against its perpetrators."