Kottayam: Adv Binu Pulickakandam, CPM councillor of Pala municipality, said that he faced personal attack from LDF ally Kerala Congress (M). He was reacting to the media ahead of the election of municipality chairperson. Though CPM had chosen him as the candidate, it picked Josin Bino, an independent member, minutes before the election, owing to pressure from KC(M).
Binu said he would accept the decision and continue with the party. When asked if he felt personally attacked, he said "absolutely."
He also wrote an open letter to Jose K Mani. In the letter, he said it was a “black day” in the history of Pala. He praised minister Roshy Augustine in the letter while slamming Jose. “I never wanted to gain a post through bargaining. Though I wished for the post, I don’t feel dismayed,” he said. Binu also said he was the victim of “politics of intolerance.”
He wore a black shirt to the municipality on Thursday and said it was not intentional.
Meanwhile, Josin said she was saddened by the decision to replace Binu. “He is my leader and I will work according to his advice,” she said ahead of the poll.
CPM district secretariat member Lalichan said the decision was taken by the party body unanimously and there were no dissents.
Earlier, Kerala Congress had expressed dissatisfaction with CPM’s choice for the post. They said Binu had attacked KC(M) members when he was associated with another party. KC(M) said they would accept anyone but Binu. Binu is the only councillor in the municipality who contested the election under the CPM symbol. All other members affiliated with the party contested as independents.
If Binu had contested, then he would have become the first representative of the CPM to helm the municipality.