Kerala CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan said the party remains aligned with the secular positions advanced by Vellappally Natesan, while making clear that individual statements that depart from that line are the responsibility of the speaker and not the party.
India CPI(M) stance on secularism and accountability
Speaking to reporters in Kannur, Govindan reiterated that Vellappally’s commitment to secularism matches the broader public stance of Kerala and the CPI(M). He added that when Vellappally takes views that differ from the party’s position, CPI(M) cannot be held accountable for those divergent remarks.
Govindan also addressed allegations by Vellappally that the SNDPI has been prevented from establishing educational institutions in Wayanad, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts. He said such administrative and technical matters fall within the government’s remit and it is for the state to respond to those claims, not the party.
On the ongoing special investigation team (SIT) inquiry into the Sabarimala gold robbery, Govindan described the probe as proceeding in a highly productive manner and pledged full support from CPI(M). “We have consistently backed the investigation, then and now,” he said, emphasising that the party has not monitored who has been questioned or jailed but insists that all suspects must be produced before the law and the stolen gold recovered in full.
Govindan rejected any notion that CPI(M) would act to shield those implicated in the case. He accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) of adopting an opportunistic posture, contrasting that with CPI(M)’s insistence on rigorous accountability. “We will not adopt positions that protect the accused,” he said.
Turning to recent media reports, Govindan called on the Congress to explain a widely circulated photograph showing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi meeting Unnikrishnan Potty, who was arrested in connection with the gold case. He questioned who arranged the appointment and whether political figures had facilitated connections between key suspects and local appointees. Govindan urged the Congress to offer clarity rather than leaving such questions unanswered.
Govindan further criticised the UDF for what he described as shifting and self-serving reactions to the investigation. He pointed to leaders who earlier celebrated the probe moving away from CPI(M), only to change tone as the investigation approached their own ranks.
The CPI(M) leader reiterated the party’s intention to maintain political unity with allies where appropriate. He noted good relations with CPI and said the left coalition aims to preserve and advance the unity of the Left Democratic Front through agreed positions and cooperative action.
In his closing remarks, Govindan said the party will continue to hold the government to account on administrative matters such as educational permissions, while simultaneously supporting criminal inquiries that serve public interest and the rule of law.
Key Takeaways:
- India CPI(M) stance: Kerala CPI(M) says it broadly agrees with Vellappally Natesan’s secular positions while distancing the party from any differing remarks he makes.
- The party asks the state government to respond to claims that SNDPI is being blocked from opening schools in Wayanad, Malappuram and Kasaragod.
- CPI(M) expresses full support for the SIT probe into the Sabarimala gold heist and calls for legal accountability irrespective of rank.
- Party criticises UDF for opportunism and urges the Congress to explain high-profile visits linked to the gold case.
