Amid controversy, EP Jayarajan removed as LDF Convener
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Thiruvananthapuram: A major political development has occurred with the removal of EP Jayarajan, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee, from his position as chairman of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala. Jayarajan was present at a party state secretariat meeting on Friday, August 30, when the decision was made.
The action was taken in response to Jayarajan's contentious meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar before Kerala's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the News Minute reported.
The controversy that resulted from Jayarajan disclosing to the public that he had met with Javadekar put the CPI(M) on the defensive in their political conflict with the Congress, whom they have been charging as the BJP's "B team.”
In the early hours of Kerala's Lok Sabha election day, Jayarajan acknowledged having met Javadekar at his son's Thiruvananthapuram residence.
Even though Jayarajan made it clear that the meeting was only a "friendly meeting" and that no political talks took place, it was clear that this information was poorly received by CPI(M) members and supporters on election day, particularly Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Pinarayi Vijayan responded sharply to the incident, saying Jayarajan was "not careful" with the persons he meets and interacts with.
Jayarajan reportedly left for Kannur without taking part in the state committee meeting that was scheduled for Saturday after it was decided to remove him as the LDF convenor.
This development coincides with the CPI(M) getting ready for the party congress in April 2025, which will begin with branch-level meetings starting next week.
Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's trusted assistant Jayarajan has been embroiled in a number of scandals, including one involving accusations of nepotism and another involving his family's financial ties with a company connected to a former Union minister and BJP leader.
Jayarajan suffered a serious blow when he lost his position as LDF convener. He was eyeing the post of the state CPI(M) secretary.
