Internal Dissent: CPI(M) Removes Two Members for Criticising Kerala Leadership

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has removed two party functionaries from their organisational posts after they allegedly published social media posts critical of the party’s Kerala leadership, including State secretary M.V. Govindan.

The party removed Kezhattoor North branch secretary K.P. Prakashan and Koovery local committee member Shaiju Chalappuram, who belongs to the Alakkode area committee, from their respective organisational posts. The decisions taken by the Taliparamba and Alakode area committees were later ratified by the respective local and branch committee meetings.

Mr. Prakashan was removed over a Facebook post questioning the delay in implementing a ₹8 crore road project for Keezhattoor. Framing the post as a question to the incumbent Taliparamba MLA T.K. Govindan, Mr. Prakashan wrote that a ‘former great MLA’ had secured ₹8 crore for the road in the State Budget, while a ‘later great MLA has done nothing’ to implement it. He also remarked that the project had been ‘buried in its final days’.

The road project was announced by former MLA James Mathew during the Keezhatoor Vayalkili agitation against the national highway alignment. However, no decision was taken on the project even after M.V. Govindan became the area’s MLA.

Party sources said disciplinary action had earlier been taken against Mr. Prakashan for posting provocative content on Facebook. He was later reinstated and appointed branch secretary before the latest action.

Mr. Chalappuram, who was serving his second term as a local committee member, was removed for repeatedly posting content against the party, both before and after P.K. Shyamala, who is M.V. Govindan’s wife, was announced as the party’s Taliparamba candidate in 2026 Assembly polls. His decision to stay away from the election campaign also figured in the disciplinary proceedings.

According to party sources, Mr. Chalappuram did not join campaign activities despite a direct request from senior CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan. He reportedly maintained his stand even when asked to explain his actions before the local and branch committee meetings.