Pathanmathitta: In yet another controversy which pushes the CPM to the backfoot, a KAAPA case accused has been given membership in the party. What turned the event into a controversy is the presence of Health Minister Veena George in the function in which Saran Chandran of Malayalappuzha, a KAAPA case accused, was given membership of CPM at Kumbazha on Friday. 

He has been given membership in the meeting held at Kumbazha, following his release from the prison after the completion of his remand period. 

The visuals of people shouting slogans, including minister Veena George, while giving membership to the fresh faces, are being circulated on social media. KAAPA charges were  slapped on Saran Chandran last year and instead of sending him out of the district he was given only a warning by the police.  But, since he had become involved in an incident of violence under Pathanamthitta police station, Malayalappuzha police had arrested him for violating KAAPA.   

Saran had come out of jail on June 23 after the completion of his remand period. Before joining CPM, he was a BJP sympathiser. Apart from minister Veena George, CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary KP Udayabhanu, district secretariat member Omallur Shankaran, Konni area secretary MV Sanju were present when Saran was given membership.