The rape allegations against actor and CPI (M) legislator M Mukesh, The Communist Party of India (CPI) National leader Annie Raja demanded his resignation as an MLA but clearly could not win favour with the Kerala unit of her party. This disagreement clearly shows that there is an internal tension within the party, especially concerning how such sensitive issues should be handled.
State Leadership Asserts Control
After the meeting of Kerala state party leadership on Friday, while addressing the media CPI state secretary stated that Annie Raja is a respected national leader, matters concerning the state should be handled by the state leadership. Wishwam also mentioned that “The Left is committed to upholding the Left perspective. There is no dispute or clash in between CPI and CPI(M)
Raja’s Call for Resignation
CPI national leader Annie Raja’s demand for Mukesh’s resignation came after the police registered a rape case against the actor-politician based on a complaint from a fellow actor.Raja also Argued that Mukesh “had no moral or legal ground to continue as an MLA” under the circumstances. Meanwhile Raja’s call for his resignation has not been supported by the Kerala unit of the CPI.
On this dispute sources within the CPI revealed that there is some disagreement within the CPI party over Mukesh continuing as a legislator. Asper one of the source, Binoy Viswam communicated the party’s stance to the chief minister, indicating that Mukesh should resign on moral grounds. However, the CPI does not intend to push or compel the CPI(M) to demand his resignation, showing a cautious approach to the issue.
Recurring Tensions
This is not the first time Annie Raja has founded herself at odds with the state leadership of Kerala. In 2021, when she claimed that elements of the Sangh Parivar had infiltrated the state police force, the CPI’s state leadership distanced itself from her remarks. This recurring tension clearly showing the complex dynamics within the party and the challenges of maintaining a unified front on contentious issues.
The CPI(M) state leadership has shown strong support for Mukesh. They pointed out that two Congress legislators had not stepped down even after they were charge-sheeted in rape cases, using this as a precedent to justify Mukesh’s continued tenure. However, with the CPI(M) state committee scheduled to meet on Saturday, there is speculation that the growing pressure might force a reevaluation of their stance on Mukesh’s position.
National Leader’s Perspective
Oddly, this is in contrast to what CPI(M) national leader Brinda Karat stated last week. Karat, in an article on the party’s website took strong exception to the state leadership for defending Mukesh. But she said getting into “diversionary arguments about this case was pointless” because the focus should be on addressing women’s safety. Opining on the Hema Committee Report, Karat further pressed that woman breaching silence should not be for a quick moment and justice must definitely prevail because they have been demanded all along. Her remarks signal a broader understanding of the problem, placing womanhood above mere politicking.
Mukesh Prepares for Legal Battle
Meanwhile, as the feud rages on in the party, Mukesh is gearing up for a legal tussle. An irked Ram Gopal took to Twitter saying, “Suspension revoked and permission given to attend national convention. The police have recorded the statement of the complainant on Friday in Kochi which expedited a series of legal activities.
Then, on the same day, another actor Jayasurya too was booked in a rape case. Meanwhile, a junior artiste levelled allegations against him for alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour on the sets of a movie in 2013 adding another layer to the conversations about accountability and justice underway in showbiz.
News Source: The Indian Express
