Of late, EP Jayarajan's relationship with the CPI(M) has become tumultuous, particularly during election periods when controversies surrounding him emerged with regularity.
Published Nov 17, 2024 | 7:48 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2024 | 6:16 PM
EP Jayarajan.
The Jayarajan trio — EP Jayarajan, P Jayarajan, and MV Jayarajan — formed the formidable pillars of CPI(M) for years in Kannur.
Among them, EP Jayarajan, often referred to as ‘Kannur Tusker’, wielded commanding power.
His charisma and unyielding commitment bolstered the party’s influence in Kannur, earning him a special place in CPI(M)’s inner circles. Together, the trio represented the party’s resilience and deep connection with the grassroots in the politically volatile district.
EP Jayarajan — known among CPI(M) ranks as EP — had been the practical face of communist politics. Unlike others, he was not deeply influenced by the moral and unchangeable ideals of communism. He found his path, both within and outside the party.
In Kannur’s tough political landscape, where power was all about negotiations, EP made a lasting impact with his straightforward approach.
Of late, EP’s relationship with the CPI(M) has become tumultuous, particularly during election periods when controversies surrounding him emerged with regularity.
The latest involves his autobiography, Kattan Chayayum, Parippu Vadayum: Life of a Communist. Leaked purported excerpts from the book surfaced after a promotional post by DC Books, featuring its cover page, gained traction online.
Kattan chaya and parippu vada — black tea and fritters made with lentils — were supposedly the communists’ staple diet, along with Dinesh beedi, during party meetings attended by famished comrades.
Facing backlash over the content, DC Books announced a delay in its release, citing “technical issues.” EP denied any publishing deal with the publisher, asserting that his autobiography was still incomplete and had not been shared.
DC Books CEO Ravi DC refrained from making detailed statements, emphasising respect for public figures.
The incident added to EP’s already eventful political journey, marked by both high achievements and controversies that continue to define his complex legacy in the CPI(M).
CPI(M) has no intention of verifying the authenticity of the controversy surrounding EP’s “leaked” autobiography, according to state secretary MV Govindan.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, 15 November, Govindan extended the party’s full support to EP’s version of events. He dismissed the issue as trivial, asserting that the so-called “autobiography bomb” had no impact on the party.
However, the “leak” happened just before the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and Chelakkara Assembly segment went to polling in the by-election on 13 November.
“Jayarajan has already clarified that the portion of the text circulating was neither written by him nor shared with anyone. He believes the news was deliberately planted to damage his reputation,” Govindan, also from Kannur, said.
“Legal steps have been initiated, with a complaint filed with the DGP. We trust the police to handle the matter appropriately,” he added.
When contacted CPI(M) politburo member MA Baby echoed Govindan’s words. He preferred to refrain from commenting further.
EP was the first All India President of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and served as the General Manager of the CPI(M)’s official mouthpiece, Deshabhimani.
Additionally, he held the position of President of the Kerala Karshaka Sangham, a farmers’ organisation, and was a Central Committee Member of the CPI(M).
Jayarajan represented the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2011 to 2021. In May 2016, he assumed office as the Minister for Industries and Sports in the first Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet. However, his tenure was marked by controversy, and allegations of nepotism led to his resignation in October 2016.
It was alleged that he had appointed his family members to key public sector positions. Despite the controversy, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) cleared him of the charges and recommended the closing of the case in September 2017.
As the sports minister, EP created headlines following a gaffe. In a media interview, he condoled the death of Muhammed Ali, a “footballer from Malappuram”. In fact, the reporter was asking EP about the death of Ali, the legendary boxer, on 3 June 2016.
The reporter had not mentioned that the person who had passed away was the US boxer.
EP also served as the convener of the LDF in Kerala from 2022 to 2024, further solidifying his influence in the state’s political landscape.
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala on 26 April 2024, EP found himself at the centre of a political storm after his clandestine meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar.
The controversy began when TG Nandakumar alias “Dallal” Nandakumar revealed that EP had met Javadekar in Thiruvananthapuram without informing the CPI(M) leadership.
The situation intensified when BJP leader Sobha Surendran further claimed that EP had discussed the possibility of joining the BJP during the meeting.
EP initially defended himself, saying he had met Javadekar, a statement that the BJP leader, too, corroborated. The CPI(M) leadership initially stood by him, but as the allegations gained traction, opposition to EP within the party grew.
Finally, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, EP’s long-time ally, broke his silence and publicly criticized him, marking a significant shift in the party’s stance.
While being the minister of industries and sports, EP’s tenure was marred by allegations of nepotism after the appointment of KP Sudheer Nambiar, the son of former minister PK Sreemathi, as the managing director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises. Sreemathi is a relative of EP’s wife.
Besides Nambiar, EP was also accused of posting four others — his or relatives of party colleagues — in top PSU positions. Among those appointed was T Naveen, nephew of Chief Minister Vijayan’s wife, it was alleged.
The controversy led to his resignation from the Cabinet in October 2016. After a VACB clean chit, EP was reinstated in the Cabinet in August 2018.
In 2007, a major controversy erupted within the CPI(M) over an investment of ₹2 crore by Santiago Martin, known as the “Lottery King,” and his children. The donation was made when EP was the general manager of Deshabhimani.
The matter became contentious due to factional disputes within the party. EP initially claimed that the money was invested in Deshabhimani‘s development bonds. However, as the controversy gathered steam, the funds were returned, and the party leadership distanced itself from the issue.
Incidentally, Martin was the single-biggest donor to political parties, with ₹1,300 crore in the now-scrapped electoral bonds.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Friday that it had seized ₹8.8 crore from the “lottery king’s” corporate office in Chennai, following a search on at least 20 premises linked to Martin and his associates in multiple states.
Another controversy involving EP is regarding a sponsorship; the Nayanar Memorial Football Fair in 2007 allegedly received ₹60 lakh from businessman Faris Aboobacker — who is part of some financial controversies featuring the CPI(M).
In 2013, Deshabhimani faced a backlash for accepting an advertisement from Surya Group, owned by businessman VM Radhakrishnan, who was implicated in the Malabar Cement corruption case. The front-page advertisement appeared during a party plenary in Palakkad, resulting in a significant embarrassment.
The CPI(M) state secretariat later acknowledged the “oversight” on the part of the publication.
However, in the “leaked” excerpt of his autobiography, he justified the action saying that no publisher looks into the moral side while accepting advertisements.
Another controversy arose when Deshabhimani sold its building at Manjalikkulam near the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, along with 32 cents of land, to Capital City Developers, owned by Radhakrishnan.
It was alleged that the property was sold at a price considerably lower than its market value. This transaction added fuel to the internal discord within the party.
The Vaidakam Ayurveda Healing Village, a resort at Morazha in Kannur, become a subject of political debate, with accusations surrounding its ownership and business connections.
EP initially denied any links with the resort directly or indirectly through his relatives. On 17 March this year, he even announced that if his wife had any shares in the resort, it would be transferred to Opposition Leader VD Satheesan’s spouse for free.
Three days later on 20 March, EP sang a different tune. “My wife has been a shareholder in Vaidekam after her retirement (from service) in 2022,” EP told reporters. “She is part of this company. Has my wife done anything wrong?” he added.
It was alleged that Niraamaya Wellness Retreats, a hospitality concern backed by BJP leader and the then-Union minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s Jupiter Capitals, had inked a deal on 22 April 2022 to manage and operate Vaidakam.
However, the CPI(M) clarified that the shares in Vaidakam were purchased by Chandrasekhar’s children, using funds they received following his wife’s retirement. Though EP did not transfer the shares to Satheesan’s wife, he accused rivals of conspiring against him.
However, Chandrasekhar has denied the allegations, clarifying on his X account that the reports linking him to the resort handover are incorrect.
Although concerns were raised within the party regarding the family’s involvement in the resort project, the controversy subsided after EP provided a detailed explanation.
And, the purported “excerpts” don’t even name Chandrasekhar in the chapter detailing this controversy.
EP’s name cropped up in the Karuvannur Bank scam over his purported ties with the prime accused, P Satheesh Kumar.
Hailing from Mattannur, Kumar allegedly operated an illicit gambling den in Thrissur during EP’s tenure as the CPI(M)’s Thrissur district committee secretary. Further allegations suggested that even while serving as a minister, EP might supported Kumar.
The Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam pertained to the misappropriation of at least ₹300 crore using documents submitted as collateral. The documents were used without the knowledge of their owners.
Joseph C Mathew, a Kerala-based political observer offered a unique view on the controversies surrounding EP’s controversy.
“The recent EP Jayarajan controversy lacks clarity. DC Books’ claims cannot be dismissed, considering its legacy in the publishing industry,” he said.
Founded in 1974, Kottayam-based DC Books is a reputed publisher in Kerala. It is the first publisher/bookseller in India to get an ISO 9000 certification.
“I believe this would not have unfolded without the knowledge of the CPI(M), and its response to the controversy gives us some insight,” Mathew continued.
“They are well aware of the origins of this issue. Perhaps EP Jayarajan is unaware of the final chapters, as there may be a writer who has full knowledge of the details,” he said.
Mathew also referred to The Hindu interview controversy, in which the CPI(M) and the chief minister’s press secretary maintained that it had attributed certain statements to Vijayan, which he had not said.
The newspaper, however, said the controversial part was added at the request of PR agency Kaizzen, which facilitated the 29 September 2024 interview in Delhi.
Later, the Chief Minister’s Office said Vijayan had not assigned any PR agency. Kaizzen said Vijayan was not its client.
“In The Hindu-Pinarayi controversy, the nexus between the two is evident. It’s not just the CPI(M) to blame. The media also plays a crucial role. Regarding the chief minister’s interview controversy, it’s almost as if they are mocking the public. We still don’t know who made the mistake, but both sides have praised each other,” he further stated.
“I have filed a complaint with the Press Council of India, but I have yet to receive any acknowledgement,” Mathew added.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
