Apart from pushing the lDF Government into a crisis of credibility, the controversy over the allocation of key positions in Government-run corporations and other sectors to close relatives of Marxist Ministers and top party leaders has triggered a cold war in Kerala’s CPI(M) even as its closest ally, the CPI, has come out with scathing criticisms against it over the acts of nepotism.
According to observers, the nepotistic appointments, mainly those of close relatives of Industries Minister EP Jayarajan, a central committee member of the CPI(M), and the objections raised to such postings by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have created sharp divisions within the powerful Kannur lobby that virtually controls the State CPI(M).
A section in the party feels that the Chief Minister, a Politbureau member, has unnecessarily kept certain Ministers from the party and other leaders in the shadow of suspicion by his claim that he had no knowledge about such appointments made as per the decision of the State secretariat. Pinarayi had not participated in the particular meeting of the secretariat.
However, these differences have not so far shown any signs of erupting into divisionism like the one the CPI(M) had witnessed till some time ago but there are enough indications that a cold war is simmering within the party. Nobody from the Kannur lobby of the party has come forward to defend Jayarajan so far despite the fact that he is one of its most influential leaders.
That there are sharp divisions in the Kannur lobby was evident from the rejection by Pinarayi of the claim made by central committee member PK Sreemathy, a close relative of Jayarajan, that her daughter-in-law was appointed in her personal staff when she was minister in the 2006-11 lDF Government with party’s knowledge. Pinarayi was the party’s State secretary at that time.
The nepotism scandal had erupted following the appointment of Sudheer Nambiar, son of Sreemathy who is sister of Jayarajan’s wife, as Managing Director in the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises ltd, allegedly in violation of the norms. It was obvious that Sudheer Nambiar was in no way qualified for the job. His appointment, however, was revoked later. Close on the heels of the disclosure on this came the reports on appointment of the relatives of other Marxist Ministers, including the Chief Minister himself, and party leaders in Government positions. The development has created a feeling in the party that the leaders are misusing official power to serve the interests of their relatives while qualified partymen are being ignored.
“Rumours are that the CPI(M)’s Kannur lobby, which has so far been unipolar under Pinarayi’s leadership, is on the way of having two power centres,” said a former CPI(M) theorist. A Pinarayi-loyalist in the Kannur lobby aired the concern that a second power centre “seems to be taking shape” under State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Observers say that the statement by the Chief Minister that the nepotistic postings were a serious issue even after the State party secretary had said that all the political appointments made under the lDF Government could not be seen in the same way is a clear indication of the Kannur lobby getting split into two distinct camps.
Meanwhile, CPI, the biggest ally of the CPI(M) in the lDF, has unleashed scathing criticisms against the Marxists for pushing the front and its Government into a crisis of credibility with leaders’ nepotism. An editorial published on Monday in CPI mouthpiece Janayugom newspaper said the nepotistic appointments were nothing but acts of corruption.
“Nepotism is corruption, no doubt about that. Interpretations cannot polish its face. Nepotism and appointments made because of it are unpardonable crimes and injustice when there is an army of unemployed and highly qualified people. All the wrongs and failures occurred so far should be corrected,” said the editorial.
At the same time, legal experts are of the opinion that the Vigilance would have to initiate a quick verification of the allegations of nepotism leveled against Jayarajan by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and BJP general secretary through their letters to the agency’s director. They also say that it will be difficult for the Government to prevent the Vigilance Director from starting an inquiry against in this regard at this particular juncture.