Is a Crisis Unfolding in Kerala CPI with Leaked Audio Targeting State Secretary Binoy Viswam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kerala CPI faces internal strife due to leaked audio.
- State Secretary Binoy Viswam is at the center of the controversy.
- Emergency meeting may be convened to address internal issues.
- The leak has raised questions about leadership stability.
- Upcoming state conference adds pressure to resolve tensions.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 11 (NationPress) Internal strife seems to be intensifying within the Kerala faction of the Communist Party of India (CPI), which is the second-largest partner in the CPI(M)-led ruling Left Front of the state.
On Wednesday, tensions heightened as State Secretary Binoy Viswam was reportedly disturbed by a leaked audio recording that has sparked internal unrest.
The leadership of CPI is now facing the repercussions of the audio, which captures two senior party officials making disparaging comments about Viswam, a former Rajya Sabha MP and State Minister from 2006 to 2011.
This leak, which has made headlines in the media, has caused embarrassment to the party and significantly affected Viswam.
The conversation involved Kamala Sadanandan, a member of the state executive committee, and K.M. Dinakaran, a member of the state council and secretary of the Ernakulam district.
The situation escalated when Kamala received a phone call during their conversation. Unbeknownst to her, the call remained connected, leading to a recorded dialogue in which both individuals criticized Viswam's leadership and suggested that he might be compelled to resign.
Moreover, the two allegedly mentioned a close family member of Viswam who is purportedly wielding undue influence over party matters.
The revelation of this audio has resulted in significant embarrassment within the party hierarchy. The top leadership of CPI is now contemplating an emergency meeting to manage the situation and mitigate the fallout.
In response to the controversy, Viswam stated on Wednesday that it is premature to discuss any potential actions.
Viswam took over as State Secretary in December 2023, following the passing of his predecessor Kanam Rajendran. Since then, he has encountered internal criticism, particularly from veteran leader K.E. Ismail, who was suspended from the party in March.
Earlier this year, the party also faced backlash when the family of the late senior leader and former legislator P. Raju accused it of neglect.
These incidents unfold at a critical juncture for the CPI, which is gearing up for its state conference in Alappuzha this September. Viswam is anticipated to pursue re-election as state secretary, but the current turmoil may pose challenges to his bid.