CPI(M)’s bid to cling to power through horse-trading anti-democratic, says Sunny Joseph

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph on Thursday alleged that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]’s attempts to retain power through horse-trading, instead of accepting its debacle in the local body elections, were condemnable and blatantly anti-democratic.

He said evidence had emerged on how the CPI(M) allegedly bought off a UDF-backed Independent member to seize control of the Wadakkanchery block panchayat in Thrissur district. According to him, the party resorted to immoral and illegal means, including offering and paying lakhs of rupees and promising positions, to ensure the continuation of its rule.

He alleged that these actions were carried out with the knowledge and involvement of the CPI(M)’s top leadership. Mr. Joseph said the party’s attempts to subvert people’s mandate through money power were aimed solely at perpetuating corruption. He also cited alleged manoeuvres involving defection and horse-trading by the CPI(M) in the Mattathur grama panchayat in Thrissur district as another example of what he described as an assault on democratic values.

Demanding strong action, he said those directly involved and those who conspired in the Wadakkanchery incident should be arrested and proceeded against legally. He also urged the CPI(M) to show the courage to expel those responsible from the party.