Thrissur (Kerala), March 9 (NationPress) An escalating internal dispute within the Communist Party of India (CPI) has come to light in Kerala’s Thrissur district, as a sitting MLA has accused the party's leadership of planning to replace him with another candidate due to monetary influences.

This controversy has emerged in the Nattika Assembly constituency, where CPI MLA C.C. Mukundan has openly challenged the party's alleged decision to nominate former MLA Geetha Gopi for the upcoming elections.

The CPI, being the second-largest member of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is facing a significant challenge.

Mukundan has claimed that the leadership is sidelining him due to internal divisions and what he refers to as a “payment seat” arrangement. In a statement to the media, he contended that Geetha Gopi was being favored for the party ticket because of her capacity to generate funds.

“I cannot raise funds for the party. The choice to grant her the seat is influenced by financial motivations,” Mukundan stated, asserting that he would run in the elections even if the party refused him the ticket.

He also mentioned that he has not received any official notification regarding his potential replacement. Furthermore, he pointed out that while most party legislators are entitled to two terms, he is being denied a second chance.

Mukundan alleged that the Cherpu constituency committee did not recommend him due to factional politics within the local unit of the party.

The allegations pose an unexpected challenge for the CPI in Thrissur, a district historically seen as one of its strongholds. Sources within the party suggested that the leadership has had ongoing issues with Mukundan, who was previously removed from the CPI district council.

Additionally, disputes involving his former personal staff have reportedly strained his relationship with the district leadership.

Meanwhile, former MLA Geetha Gopi has dismissed Mukundan's allegations, emphasizing her focus on fulfilling the responsibilities assigned by the party. “The leadership will address the allegations. The people of Nattika, who have supported me twice, will stand by me again. They know me well,” she remarked.

This dispute raises concerns within the LDF about the potential repercussions of Mukundan’s rebellion on the alliance’s performance in the constituency. Sources suggest that Mukundan is contemplating running as an independent candidate if the CPI ticket is not granted to him. Furthermore, indications have emerged that leaders from the Congress party have approached him, eager to take advantage of the rift.

Senior members of Congress are believed to have reached out to Mukundan, with some district leaders reportedly meeting him to discuss the possibility of his collaboration with their party.

Mukundan, known for his relatively clean public image and goodwill among certain voter segments, has stated that he will announce his decision soon.