Payyannur, March 30 (NationPress) – In a significant turn of events that has intensified the electoral contest in Payyannur, former CPI(M) member V. Kunjikrishnan, now aligned with the Congress-led UDF as an independent, has made public what he asserts is documented proof of financial misappropriation concerning a martyr’s relief fund.

On Monday, Kunjikrishnan took to social media to disclose bank records and internal financial documents, claiming that ₹5 lakh was improperly redirected from the 'Comrade Dhanaraj Family Assistance Fund' into the personal account of a former local party secretary.

This alleged transfer occurred on July 9, 2018, from an account at the main branch of Payyannur Rural Bank.

His claims come in the wake of ongoing denials from CPI(M) leaders, who have maintained that there have been no financial irregularities and that not a single rupee has been misappropriated from party funds.

In response, Kunjikrishnan has stated he is ready to present “irrefutable evidence” to the public, emphasizing that he had previously been given the responsibility by the party to scrutinize the accounts.

“If the stance is that the evidence must speak for itself, I am prepared to showcase it,” he asserted, indicating that while justifications for the transactions might emerge, “the truth will prevail over all explanations.”

He also cautioned that additional documents might be disclosed should there be attempts to “conceal the truth.”

The controversy revolves around funds raised in memory of the deceased party worker Dhanaraj, intended to support his family.

Kunjikrishnan accused the party of betraying its workers, families, and supporters, stating that the public release of bank statements and expenditure reports presented to party committees should suffice as proof of the alleged misconduct.

As of now, the CPI(M) has not issued a comprehensive response to these recent claims.

This issue has heightened tensions in the electoral battle in Payyannur, where Kunjikrishnan is challenging the incumbent CPI(M) legislator T.I. Madhusoodhan.

With corruption becoming a focal point in discussions, this scandal is likely to sway voter opinions as the campaign approaches its final phase.

Adjacent to Payyannur, another prominent former CPI(M) leader, T.K. Govindan, was expelled for questioning the candidacy of CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan’s wife, who is running with UDF support.

These dissenting incidents have shaken the Kannur CPI(M), known as the strongest district for the party in the country.