THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Monday reiterated that his party has no role in the murder of Youth Congress leader Shuhaib.
In a Facebook post, Mr Balakrishnan said: "Shuhaib's murder in Kannur is condemnable. The CPM has no connection with this incident. In case if party members are found to be behind the incident strong action will be taken against them. I understand the police is in the process of tracing the real culprits. There will be no interference in police investigations."
Hours after Mr Balakrishnan's post, north Zone DGP Rajesh Dewan confirmed the involvement of CPM workers. Contrary to the surrender claims made by CPM Kannur leaders, the police officer said the two party workers were nabbed by the police. Clearly, the police revelation has embarrassment party leadership.
Observers say political murders will put the CPM in a tight spot besides giving Sangh Parivar a stick to beat it with. In response to BJP-RSS nation-wide campaign last year, Mr Balakrishnan had stated: "We don't intend to counter RSS' violence with violence. We will expose their violent activities by mobilising the people and exposing their dangerous agenda. We are prepared to compete with BJP-RSS on anything barring murder politics."
Mr Balakrishnan's statement had reflected a significant shift in his position from 2016 when he made inflammatory speeches. His controversial remark "work in the fields wages at the boundary" had electrified the cadre in the district as it meant "sudden and bloody retaliation for any attack."
The CPM state secretary had asked cadre not to allow those coming to attack their strongholds, return in one piece. Observers say such provocative statements coming from responsible political leaders have the potential of triggering mindless violence.
The circulation of video clips with open murder threats on social media needs to be curbed strongly to check murderous attacks.
