THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat went into damage control mode following reports about the criticism against Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajan over a documentary and music album eulogising him at the state committee meeting held on November 11. In a statement here, the secretariat said criticism and self-criticism were integral to the CPM. However, a section of the media was trying to twist this to fabricate stories. Mr Jayarajan reportedly came under sharp criticism at the meeting for indulging in self-promotion and trying to outgrow the party. A documentary and music album praising him was cited by a section of members alleging that his actions were alien to the Communist way of life.
The state secretariat also refuted the reports that disciplinary action was being contemplated against Jayarajan. The state leadership said that the Kannur district secretary had not walked out of the meeting. Meanwhile, Mr Jayarajan said criticism and self-criticism was a normal course in party committees. All party members should carry out self-criticism which was a unique organisational quality of the CPM, he said. "If there is no criticism then there is no Communist party. Each member takes criticism in a positive way. Whatever in the criticism can be accepted," he said. "The party which is responsible for my growth also has the right to criticise me," he added.
When asked whether the music album was a matter for self-criticism, Mr Jayarajan said "I cannot share what was discussed in the party committee. I was only making a general observation," he said and refuted reports regarding his walk-out from the meeting following criticism. However, he said the music album and documentary were not made in consultation with him. Mr Jayarajan said the Kannur district committee was only a district unit of the all India CPM. "There is no special preference for the Kannur unit. All decisions taken by the party are implemented here," he said.
Kannur cadre shell-shocked by party move
CPM in Kannur is considered as a 'cemented' organisation without a single loophole, and the cadres used to be proud of it. That pride suffered a shock on Sunday with the news of party state committee flaying its district secretary P. Jayarajan. Mr Jayarajan has now cultivated a saviour figure status among them, and it is evident throughout the district. "He is not the same leader for CPM cadres when he took charge. He had reached out to the needs of many a worker and that had given a definite fillip to his political career," said an LDF leader in Kannur.
This cadre support helped him to stand afoot when he was on the defensive in the killings of political rivals T.P. Chandrasekharan and Ariyil Shukoor. He has been instrumental in extending party service in palliative care winning accolades even from political opponents. He garlanded BJP leaders like O.K. Vasu and A. Ashokan into the CPM fold and took the initiative to give them seats in civic polls.
