KOZHIKODE: CPM leader and former minister Elamaram Kareem, who was recently promoted to the party’s central committee, does not enjoy the full support of the cadre in Kozhikode.
While a small section of party workers believes that he has a clean record, others who had been working closely with him think that his hands are tainted.
Mr Kareem, who began his career as a casual labourer at Mavoor Gwalior Rayons was a trade union leader in the factory, has accumulated considerable wealth as he grew up in the party, say sources.
He has often been criticised in party circles for his close connections with rich businessmen both in the state and abroad. He is also known as a pro-capitalist leader as he has tried to bring in bigger projects that demanded huge investments, despite local party comrades objecting to such projects.
“The mining contracts awarded in places like Chakkittapara, Kakkoor and Mavoor while he was industries minister have been criticised in local committees. When the CPM’s established stand has been against projects that cause environmental damage, the mining contracts contradicted it. Many in the party believe that there had been kickbacks in the deal,” a senior party comrade told Deccan Chronicle.
Sources said that many workers want the leadership to act against Mr Kareem and force him to come clean.
“When it came to smaller projects that benefit a larger segment of people, Kareem implemented them without giving any scope for allegations. However, in respect of multi-crore investments, we believe that there had been underhand deals. This is also known to the party leadership in Kerala,” a DYFI leader said.
Though there is dissent in the Kozhikode district committee, the party has decided to side with Mr Kareem to fight against the allegations. However, the cadre want the party to keep him away from key positions till he is cleared. “We will lose our moral ground to protest against leaders like K.M. Mani if the party continues to protect Elamaram Kareem,” another CPM activist said.
