Mukesh’s resignation: CPI state leadership declines Annie Raja’s demand

In the wake of the waves created by the release of the Hema Committee report, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its ally, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), are at loggerheads over the resignation of M Mukesh, an actor and CPI(M) legislator facing rape charges, as CPI leader Annie Raja demanded Mukesh’s resignation while her party’s state leadership described it as a matter for ‘state leadership.

Raja, who is a prominent national leader within the CPI, called for Mukesh to step down, citing a lack of moral and legal grounds for him to retain his legislative position. This demand was made in light of a recent police investigation into Mukesh following a rape complaint filed by an actor.

However, the CPI’s Kerala unit has taken a contrasting position, framing the issue as one that should be addressed by state leadership rather than national figures. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam clarified that while Raja is a respected national leader, the state leadership has its own protocol for handling such matters.

He emphasised that there is no internal dispute between the CPI and CPI(M) on this issue, highlighting that the party's state leadership is responsible for decisions regarding local affairs.

Despite the CPI’s public stance, sources within the party have indicated that there is internal dissatisfaction with Mukesh continuing in office. It is understood that the CPI has communicated its view to the chief minister, suggesting that Mukesh should resign on moral grounds. Nevertheless, the CPI has opted not to pressure the CPI(M) directly to act on the matter.

This situation is not unprecedented, as there have been previous instances of discord between Raja and the state leadership. For instance, in 2021, Raja’s allegations of infiltration by Sangh Parivar elements into the state police were publicly disavowed by the CPI’s state leadership.

The CPI(M) state leadership, on the other hand, has expressed support for Mukesh, arguing that other legislators, including members of the Congress party, did not resign even after facing similar charges. The CPI(M) state committee is expected to convene to review the situation further, amid increasing calls for Mukesh’s resignation from various quarters.

In a related development, CPI(M) national leader Brinda Karat has criticised the state leadership’s defence of Mukesh, arguing that the focus should be on creating a safe environment for women, particularly in the film industry. Karat emphasised the importance of supporting women in their fight for justice.

Mukesh is preparing for a legal battle, with a court having stayed his arrest until September 2. On the same day, another actor, Jayasurya, faced legal trouble, being booked in a separate rape case involving a junior artiste’s allegations of unwanted sexual advances during a 2013 film shoot.