P Sasi is where power is - and invincible in CPI-M

P. Sasi, the political secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, is in the headlines for the power he exerts over the state government—advocating for the Chief Minister in all state political matters and controlling the state police—which has created rifts even within his party ranks that many dare not publicly question.

The political significance of Sasi merits scrutiny, including his past roles and how he rose to his current rank, as many within his party surreptitiously refer to him as the 'super Chief Minister' because he is said to be the one whose decisions eventually become those of Pinarayi Vijayan.

Sasi, as an active party member with an enigmatic character, gained the role of wielding power by brokering deals not only with his party rivals but also with individuals for whom power and money is a significant matter, ensuring that the path is clear, no matter how hard the hurdles are. Several allegations, even from his party members, rose against him; however, Sasi remained intact and invincible in the party, as his influence rendered those allegations insignificant.

Sasi's ascent to the top political appointments began with his early work in the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s student wing, the Students Federation of India(SFI) where he showed his loyalty—though still questionable—to MV Raghavan (MVR), E.K. Nayanar, and now Pinarayi Vijayan, over the four decades, establishing his footing in an environment that has been conducive to his growth.

Sasi’s first such attempt to establish a comfort level could be found in 1985 when the CPI(M) witnessed a shift from its organisational setup following the submission of the ‘alternative document’ by MV Raghavan (MVR), a state secretariat member, during the party's state conference, proposing the IUML’s induction into the Left Democratic Front’s fold, against the party’s stand. This, however, led to MVR's marginalisation in the party, resulting in his ousting from the party and later forming the Communist Marxist Party (CMP). But it didn't take long for his loyalist Sasi to set his foot on the other side of the ground to become E.K. Nayanar’s loyalist.

Sasi’s initial connection with MVR paved the way for his rise within the party; he secured his first vital position in 1980 as the state secretary of the Student Federation of India (SFI). When E.K. Nayanar unexpectedly assumed the chief ministership in 1996, Sasi was appointed as his political secretary—a move that surprised many within the party, as Pinarayi Vijayan was reportedly instrumental in Sasi’s new role. He later rose to greater prominence as a confidante of Pinarayi Vijayan, gaining entry into the state committee of the CPI(M) in 2022.

Over the last two decades, however, Sasi has become a polarising figure within Kerala's communist politics, eliciting both fear and admiration among party workers. His tenure has been marred by multiple controversies, from alleged illegal dealings with political rivals to accusations of sexual harassment against the relatives of party workers.

Sasi’s opponents attribute his enduring power to his adeptness at behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring. He has cultivated an image as someone who maintains tight control over top police officials and bureaucrats, instilling an air of intimidation that deters dissent.

The extent of Sasi’s influence became glaring following allegations raised by PV Anwar, then an independent MLA allied with the ruling Left Front – but broke ranks with them since - who leaked a purported phone conversation with a Superintendent of Police. In the conversation, the officer expressed his concern over Sasi's dominance in the Home Department, a crucial portfolio held by the Chief Minister. Anwar alleged Sasi’s interference in police investigations and harassment of women who approached the Chief Minister’s Office to lodge complaints.

Anwar's claims painted Sasi as an extra-constitutional seat of power-wielding unchecked influence. Those familiar with Sasi's history, particularly with his role as political secretary to Nayanar, were unsurprised by these revelations. This controversy follows the earlier scandal involving Vijayan's former principal secretary, M Sivasankar, who was arrested in February 2023 amidst allegations related to the LIFE Mission and gold smuggling cases.

Sasi's political journey has been marked by his proximity to power, even though he has not been a conventional mass leader. His first foray into electoral politics came in 1989 when he contested from Kannur parliamentary constituency but lost to Congress's Mullappally Ramachandran. Despite his unsuccessful electoral bids, Sasi's influence began in earnest in 1987 when he was appointed as private secretary to the then PWD Minister, T K Hamza.

Controversies never eluded Sasi throughout his political career. He was implicated in the infamous Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy in 2000, which resulted in the deaths of 33 individuals. KS Nalini, the sister of one of the accused, accused Sasi of orchestrating the tragedy due to personal vendetta. Although the commission investigating the case ultimately dismissed her claims, the incident significantly impacted the CPI(M)’s fortunes in the subsequent Assembly elections.

Similarly, Sasi's alleged involvement in the Ice Cream parlour case - where politicians were accused of being part of a sex trafficking ring - added to his notoriety. Despite relentless pursuit by the faction led by Achuthanandan, Sasi faced no disciplinary action from the party. Rather, the incident strengthened his ties with influential IUML members, raising eyebrows within political circles.

Between 2005 and 2010, Sasi served as Kannur district secretary during a period characterised by intense political violence between CPI(M) and RSS-BJP factions. Reports indicated that he established armed self-defence units within party branches, leading to a series of violent confrontations that claimed numerous lives.

Sasi's political career took a hit in 2011 when he was expelled from the CPI(M) due to multiple allegations of sexual harassment. The initial hesitation of the party leadership to act against him changed following pressure from party members. Despite this setback, subsequently Sasi returned to the CPI(M) in 2018.

Upon his reinstatement, things had moved a full circle: Sasi regained influence, being appointed to the state committee and later as the political secretary to CM Pinarayi Vijayan in 2022, but only to be targeted by PV Anvar in his broadside against the CPM and its key functionaries.