Kollam: The CPI Kollam district committee is in a defensive mode with party members raising dissent over its stand on Chathannoor MLA G.S. Jayalal's controversial hospital purchase without the party's consent.
The members raised their voice in the district council demanding the leadership to explain the real facts behind the deal. The council members were also of the opinion that the issue should not be a weapon in the hands of its opponents to use against it.
Meanwhile, the district committee has pacified the members that the issue is being scrutinised by the state committee, which would also announce action to be taken in the CPI state executive, scheduled to meet on Monday.
The state executive convened in Thiruvananthapuram earlier had sought an explanation from the MLA on the controversial deal. The council will further discuss on the explanation given by the MLA following which action will be taken.
Mr. Jayalal had earlier in the district executive council acknowledged the "careless act" without the knowledge of the party been a "lapse" on his part.
A cooperative society 'Santhwanam' with Mr Jayalal as president had signed an agreement to purchase a hospital situated in Mevaram in Kollam for Rs. 5.25 crore. An agreement has also been signed paying Rs. 1 crore as advance without seeking permission of the party. The source of this money was also not been revealed.
Criticisms against the move by Mr. Jayalal intensified pointing out that the deal has been made even as the C. Achutha Menon Cooperative Hospital run by the party's district committee remains shut for the past several months due to lack of funds.
The society includes CPI district council member and Chathannoor constituency committee members. This governing body also holds the administrative control of the hospital before it was registered in the name of the society by paying total amount, it is learnt.
The CPI came to know about the deal only after Mr. Jayalal had given a letter to the state committee seeking permission to sell off shares to raise fund for the society.
Meanwhile, the Congress has also intensified protests against the purchase with DCC president Bindu Krishna writing an open letter raising questions on the financial dealings
