Malappuram: Senior CPM leader and former Ponnani MLA P. Nandakumar has sparked controversy with remarks about Malappuram district during a representatives’ meeting of the CPM Malappuram District Extended Committee. Nandakumar described Malappuram as a “hotbed of religious fundamentalists and communalists.”
“There are several unique circumstances concerning Malappuram district. Malappuram is a hotbed of religious fundamentalists and communalists. Naturally, the Communist Party, which confronts such forces and carries forward secular movements by bringing people together, should examine how it can fulfil its political responsibilities in the new era. That is why the Extended District Committee is meeting,” Nandakumar said.
Nandakumar made the remarks while delivering the welcome address at the meeting. Senior party leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan and K.K. Shailaja, were present on the stage when the remarks were made.
Meanwhile, participants at the meeting reportedly pointed out that the CPM had suffered a major setback in Malappuram in the Assembly elections. The party’s decision regarding K.P. Naushad Ali in Ponnani, where he was said to have considerable influence, was also criticised as a miscalculation.
Criticism was also raised over the selection of candidates. Grassroots party workers reportedly questioned several electoral decisions, including former minister Abdurahiman’s decision to switch constituencies and contest the election.
Meanwhile, the Youth League’s Ponnani Municipal Committee has filed a police complaint against P. Nandakumar over the remarks. The Youth League alleged that his comments could create religious discord and undermine Kerala’s atmosphere of communal harmony.
