Kannur: The CPM has turned its ire on Ratheesh Keezhattoor, brother of Suresh Keezhattoor, leader of ‘Vayalkilikal,’ for participating in the farmers’ agitation to protect the paddy fields being levelled for constructing the national highway bypass at Keezhattoor. Ratheesh, a headload worker belonging to the CITU at Kalyassery, was denied job by the trade union for the last few days on the instructions of the CPM leadership, it is alleged. Though Ratheesh submitted a complaint to the labour officer, no action has been taken, it is said.
This was revealed by Suresh Keezhattoor through a Facebook post the other day. Ratheesh said, “the party informed me that I will be given job only if I expressed apology for participating in the agitation.’’ It may be recalled that CPM district secretary P. Jayarajan had earlier alleged that the RSS had an agenda to kill Ratheesh and put the blame on the CPM. Meanwhile, the CPM has been preparing to ensure the success of the campaign rally against the farmers of Keezhattoor on Saturday. The party claims that the majority of farmers with the ‘Vayalkilikal’ have shifted allegiance to the party realising the folly of their agitation.
About 2,500 party workers are expected to participate in the rally. The CPM will also set up a temporary pandal and mark the borders of the paddy with red flags. Mr Jayarajan and state committee member M.V. Govindan among others would lead the campaign. Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran and BJP MP Suresh Gopi among others will attend the ‘Save Keezhattoor’ march to be taken out by ‘Vayalkilikal’ and other activists on Sunday. The BJP also has announced a march to Keezhattoor on April 2.
