There is growing speculation that a new power group could be emerging within the CPI(M), the dominant force in the LDF. Some within the party believe that Anvar’s outburst could be the result of internal machinations aimed at reshuffling the existing power hierarchy.
Published Sep 04, 2024 | 4:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 04, 2024 | 4:00 PM
PV Anvar MLA accompanying Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (Facebook)
Kerala woke up on the first day of September to the startling allegations made by an independent MLA of the ruling Left alliance against some of the most powerful figures in the state.
Nilambur MLA PV Anvar made allegations that Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Law and Order) MR Ajith Kumar had underworld connections and chief minister’s political secretary P Sasi was ineffective.
The revelations by Anvar, on 1 September and 2 September, were a surprising blow for the CPI(M) in Kerala, known for its ironclad discipline and unity, and threw the ruling LDF into disarray.
These revelations have not only stunned the Left leadership but also provided a political windfall to the Opposition, allowing them to intensify their criticism of the chief minister and the overall governance, particularly concerning the home department.
One of the most perplexing aspects of this saga is the question of who or what is driving Anvar’s actions.
While Anvar has publicly stated that only God is behind him, only a few within the political circles are buying this explanation. The timing and content of his revelations suggest that there might be more than what meets the eye.
Anvar’s public statements have shaken the very foundation of the Left camp, which a Left leader described to South First as “letting the genie out of the bottle.”
The specifics of Anvar’s revelations put Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a rabbit hole.
Anvar said Sasi was ineffective in acting upon the complaints raised by him and that some police officials starting from ADGP Ajith Kumar had connections with gold smuggling groups.
The most immediate consequence of Anvar’s outburst has been a frantic effort by the Left leadership to contain the damage.
Vijayan meeting Anvar on 3 September, after the revelations, is seen by many as an attempt to prevent further spillover.
Anvar’s subsequent softening of his stance has raised eyebrows and led to widespread speculation about what transpired during this meeting. However, rather than quelling the storm, it has only added to the intrigue.
Anvar who expressed full faith in the investigation announced by the chief minister also underscored his trust in the government and party.
The MLA, who was in a fiery mode two days ago, however, desisted from commenting on Sasi continuing the post of political secretary and Ajith Kumar continuing as ADGP (law and order) as the investigation on Anvar’s complaints is said to have started.
The Opposition, particularly the Congress-led UDF did not let this opportunity slip by. Sensing a chink in the armour of the LDF, they have sharpened their attacks on the chief minister, accusing him of failing to keep his own house in order.
The criticism centred on the chief minister’s alleged ineffectiveness in overseeing the home department, with Opposition leaders suggesting that the revelations by Anvar are indicative of deeper systemic issues.
For the UDF, this controversy has been a gift handed to them on a silver platter. The BJP also saw this as a golden opportunity to further tarnish the Left government.
They argued that the allegations raised by Anvar fall under the category of “anti-national activities” and warrant an investigation by a central agency.
Reflecting this sentiment, BJP leader Shobha Surendran announced her intent to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to emphasise the gravity of the situation and to push for a CBI investigation.
Both the BJP and Congress have dismissed the state-ordered investigation as inadequate, ridiculing it as mere eyewash.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, speaking to the media, sharply criticised the probe.
“In the five-member team, except for the state police chief, everyone else reports to ADGP (Law and Order). And the individual in question, Ajith Kumar, remains in his post. Another person involved, P Sasi, continues as the political secretary. This is a sham. The sole purpose of this so-called investigation is to whitewash or absolve the implicated individuals,” Satheesan said.
There is growing speculation that a new power group could be emerging within the CPI(M), the dominant force in the LDF.
Some within the party believe that Anvar’s outburst could be the result of internal machinations aimed at reshuffling the existing power hierarchy.
This theory posits that elements within the party, possibly with the tacit approval of the chief minister, are seeking to undermine the current leadership structure to pave the way for new power dynamics.
“When we look at the scenario, independent MLAs like Anvar, Karat Razak and KT Jaleel had come out with a dissenting voice. They might have a backing. It might be an individual or a group. To come out against Sasi needs some kind of mettle since the inside talk is that Sasi has emerged as a dominant force, who is capable of rearranging the existing power structures,” a Left leader from Kerala told South First.
However, coming to the Left supporters, the implications of these developments could be far-reaching.
They point out that it could signal the beginning of a period of internal strife that might weaken the party’s cohesion. The CPI(M) has traditionally prided itself on its organisational discipline, but recent events suggest that there may be fissures within the party that could lead to a realignment of power.
As the dust settles from Anvar’s revelations, the political landscape in Kerala is left with more questions than answers. The left camp finds itself navigating a potential rabbit hole of internal conflict and public scrutiny.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this controversy will be a mere blip on the radar or the beginning of a more profound transformation.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
