Are CPI-M Leaders in Kerala on the Defensive After DYFI Leader's Audio Leak?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leaked audio ignites political controversy.
- CPI-M leaders defend against serious allegations.
- Financial misconduct claims raise questions about transparency.
- Party credibility under scrutiny amidst media trials.
- Response to allegations will shape future leadership.
Thrissur, Sep 12 (NationPress) CPI-M leaders in Kerala’s Thrissur found themselves on the defensive on Friday following the release of a leaked audio recording featuring DYFI district secretary and state secretariat member V.P. Sarath Prasad, which ignited a significant political controversy. This prompted CPI-M district secretary Abdul Khader to label the claims as “baseless” and “distorted.”
Khader addressed the controversy by stating that the recording is from several years ago and has been sensationalized by television networks.
“There is nothing in it that aligns with reality. We will be seeking an explanation from Sarath regarding this issue. Media trials against the CPI-M are not unprecedented, and this is just another instance. The lives of our leaders are transparent, and the comments in the clip were inappropriate. The party will pursue clarification and take necessary actions,” he asserted.
The audio, which has since gained considerable traction, includes serious allegations made by Sarath that CPI-M leaders receive financial benefits once they ascend within the party hierarchy.
He claimed that an area secretary could earn approximately Rs 10,000 monthly, while a district-level official could receive over Rs 25,000.
“Our future depends on the financial levels we engage with,” Sarath is heard stating.
He specifically mentioned senior figures like former State Minister and current MLA A.C. Moideen and former party legislator M.K. Kannan, accusing Moideen of engaging in “large dealings” with affluent networks, while alleging Kannan has amassed wealth worth crores, supposedly originating from groundnut sales.
Sarath later clarified that his comments stemmed from a private conversation roughly five years ago, related to discussions about the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scandal.
“The recording was made without my consent. I never anticipated it would come to light. Those involved in the committee at that time have now leaked it,” he explained, attempting to distance himself from the ongoing controversy.
Reacting to the uproar, Kannan downplayed the accusations. “I don’t take this seriously. The Enforcement Directorate interrogated me for hours, and nothing resulted from it. So this does not affect me,” he remarked.
This incident has once more placed the CPI-M’s Thrissur leadership under examination, as the party grapples with both external scrutiny and internal embarrassment.