Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] State Secretariat has removed senior leader EP Jayarajan from his position as the convenor of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The decision was made on Saturday, with reports suggesting that Jayarajan had expressed his intention to resign from the role. Jayarajan, who returned to Kannur on Friday night, will not participate in the CPM State Secretariat meeting scheduled for the same day.
Speculation is rife that T P Ramakrishnan could be a potential successor for the convenor position. CPM State Secretary M V Govindan is expected to address the media at 3:30 PM on Saturday to provide further details.
The move comes in the wake of controversy surrounding Jayarajan’s admission of a meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar on the morning of the 18th Lok Sabha election. Jayarajan revealed that Javadekar had visited him at his son’s residence in Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, but maintained that no political discussions took place during their meeting. He also alleged that a conspiracy against him was underway.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded sharply to Jayarajan’s revelation, criticizing him for his poor judgment regarding the company he keeps. Vijayan remarked after casting his vote, “Jayarajan is not careful with the company he keeps. We should be cautious about our associations and avoid relationships that could cross certain boundaries.” His comments were seen as a direct rebuke to Jayarajan, emphasizing past concerns over his prudence.