Autobiography row: CPI-M stands by Jayarajan, Cong predicts BJP switch

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI-M has come to the defense of veteran party leader E.P. Jayarajan following Congress allegations that his autobiography contains "explosive" details that may harm the party. Congress leaders suggested that Jayarajan could join the BJP soon, stirring up political tensions in Kerala.

The autobiography, titled 'Kattan Chayayum Paripvadayum', was scheduled for release on Wednesday by DC Books, a leading Kerala publisher. However, in light of the controversy, the launch has been postponed. Jayarajan denied the reports, calling them part of a conspiracy to target him and the CPI-M. In response, CPI-M leaders, including acting general secretary Prakash Karat and state secretary M.V. Govindan, defended Jayarajan, emphasizing their belief in his clarification.

“We believe Jayarajan’s statement that these claims are fabricated,” said Govindan to reporters, accusing the media of sensationalizing the issue. T.P. Ramakrishnan, the Left Democratic Front convenor, also criticized the media for "continuing to stir the controversy" despite Jayarajan’s statement.

The Congress, however, remains unconvinced. State Congress President K. Sudhakaran speculated that Jayarajan’s actions indicate he may soon join the BJP. He referenced an alleged meeting between Jayarajan and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, which, according to Sudhakaran, hinted at a secret understanding between CPI-M and BJP during recent Lok Sabha polls.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan also pointed to business links between Jayarajan's family and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, mentioning a resort co-owned by Jayarajan’s family and later acquired by Chandrasekhar's company.

Excerpts of the controversial autobiography, widely broadcast on local TV channels, reportedly criticize the second Pinarayi Vijayan government for disregarding Jayarajan's views. The book also allegedly comments on the CPI-M’s candidate selections, including the decision to nominate former Congress member P. Sarin for the upcoming Palakkad Assembly by-election on November 20.

Following the media uproar, Jayarajan stated, “I haven’t authorized anyone to release my book, as it’s incomplete. The contents being circulated are not from my work.” He added that the timing of the controversy was meant to influence ongoing by-elections, and he intends to pursue legal action.

Jayarajan has since filed a complaint with the State Police Chief, accusing media outlets of spreading “fake news” using falsified content. Since his exclusion from the 2021 Assembly elections, Jayarajan has often stirred debates within the CPI-M, creating challenges for party leaders.

Meanwhile, BJP state president K. Surendran commented that the CPI-M is facing internal instability, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan allegedly grooming his son-in-law, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, as a successor, sidelining veterans like Jayarajan. Surendran assured that the BJP would support Jayarajan if he needed assistance.

With IANS inputs