CPI mulls action against Balachandran

Thrissur: CPI is likely to take action against MLA P Balachandran for his controversial social media post on Lord Ram, as strong resentment is brewing within the party and Left camps, as well as in rival political fronts. Balachandran has been asked to personally present his clarification at the district executive committee meeting scheduled on Jan 31. The disciplinary action against the MLA will be based on his clarifications, party sources said.CPI leader and revenue minister K Rajan publicly stated that Balachandran’s views were not in sync with the party position. District secretary K K Valsaraj had also taken such a position earlier.Balachandran’s remark is widely being perceived as a stab in the back of party leader V S Sunilkumar, who is expected to be the candidate in Thrissur Parliament seat, even though the MLA may not have actually intended. This has irked party cadres, who are demanding action against Balachandran.The MLA is now staying away from functions in the city, apparently to avoid embarrassments to the party. He remained absent at the International Literary Festival of Kerala which was inaugurated on Sunday.Interestingly, BJP in the district has not undertaken public protests against Balachandran’s remarks continuously. However, they are using the issue widely on social media and other campaigns. Several CPI leaders said they have been facing severe criticisms on their social media accounts.There is a strong feeling that the party will not be able to save face unless deterrent action is taken against Balachandran. He is one of the few CPI leaders in the state holding dual posts — of district assistant secretary and MLA. There is a demand that he be stripped of the party’s district assistant secretary post. Some party leaders are expecting Balachandran to voluntarily quit that post, and help the party wriggle out of the crisis.