On 2 September, independent MLA KT Jaleel, long associated with CPI(M), shocked Kerala's political scene by announcing he won’t contest elections or hold political posts.
Published Oct 02, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 02, 2024 | 6:28 PM
KT Jaleel hints at making a political statement during his book launch (Facebook)
On 2 September, KT Jaleel, the independent MLA from Kerala known for his longstanding affiliation with the CPI(M), sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles.
In a social media post, Jaleel declared that he would no longer contest elections or assume any political posts.
The timing of this announcement, a month ahead of the release of his upcoming book Swargasthanaya Gandhiji, left many speculating whether Jaleel was staging a well-timed public relations move.
The former Higher Education Minister, who has represented Thavanur Assembly Constituency in Malappuram district since 2006, affirmed his unwavering loyalty to the CPI(M) “till my last breath,” and piqued public curiosity with an ominous promise: He vowed to expose corrupt officials.
K T Jaleel’s post on 2 September
Jaleel announced the launch of a portal dedicated to public complaints about bribery and corruption in the bureaucracy.
On social media, Jaleel has been vocal about alleged corruption within the state police.
Jaleel also shared a WhatsApp number (9895073107), urging people to report instances of bribery with details about corrupt officials, pledging to forward complaints directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.
This, combined with his social media posts critical of IPS officers Sujith Das and Sasidharan, both of whom were in the eye of a storm over allegations by a woman of sexual abuse by high-ranking police officials, amplified the intrigue.
In a picture shared on 4 September, Jaleel was seen in a serious discussion with fellow independent MLA P V Anvar, hinting at a possible collaboration between the two. Anvar, independent MLA representing Nilambur, has been making a series of statements alleging corruption on the part of top leaders of the CPI(M) including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
K Jaleel and PV Anvar
“Fraudulent and corrupt IPS officers will be caught. No doubt,” Jaleel wrote, emphasising that the days of unchecked police corruption were at an end.
His fiery rhetoric seems to set the stage for more revelations, leaving many in the CPI(M) camp wondering if his upcoming book will be a tell-all.
Titled Swargasthanaya Gandhiji (The Late Gandhi), the book is set to be released on Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October, by MP John Brittas at the Parakkal Auditorium in Valanchery.
The book
Jaleel has already stated that the “last chapter” contains critical information, making his book release a highly anticipated event.
In a recent social media post, Jaleel hinted at making a political statement during the book launch.
According to Jaleel, while the first 50 pages of the book are dedicated to Gandhi, from his birth to his martyrdom, the rest are his views on various topics, including on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
An excerpt from the last chapter of his book was released, and it revealed Jaleel’s plan to engage more deeply with reading and writing, as he contemplates retirement.
“My fourth term as MLA will end in 2026, and it will mark 20 years as MLA; of these, I was also a minister for five years. I cannot thank CPI(M) enough for the generosity it has shown to a common man like me.”
He speaks of a desire to travel the world and share his experiences by writing.
KT Jaleel
The serene retirement fantasy notwithstanding, the social media posts continue to be sharp, and his tone of urgency in public appeals against corruption point to deep discontent.
For now, readers in the state will have to wait for the book to learn more.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
