BJP Expels Three Members in Kumarakom for Defying Whip; CPM Loses Power After 55 Years
Three members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been expelled from their primary membership for violating the party whip and casting their votes in favor of a United Democratic Front (UDF) independent candidate during the Kumarakom Panchayat President election. The BJP Kottayam West District Committee announced the disciplinary action against P.K. Sethu, Suneeth V.K., and Neethu Reji, following stringent directives from the state leadership.
The dramatic turn of events culminated in A.P. Gopi, contesting as a UDF independent, securing victory with the unexpected support from the BJP members. This unforeseen alliance led to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) losing control of the Kumarakom Panchayat, a stronghold they had held for 55 years. In the fiercely contested election, both the UDF (bolstered by BJP votes) and the LDF garnered eight votes each, resulting in a tie. The deadlock was resolved through a draw of lots, which ultimately favored A.P. Gopi, who defeated K.S. Salimone of the LDF.
The outcome, where a UDF independent assumed power with BJP backing, has ignited widespread discussions and debates within political circles. It was against this backdrop of severe disciplinary transgression that the BJP party promptly initiated strict measures against its dissenting members.
A.P. Gopi, however, refuted the allegations from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] that his victory was a result of BJP support. He clarified his stance, asserting that he ran as an independent candidate and did not solicit the BJP’s endorsement.
The CPM maintains its accusation of an “unholy alliance” between the BJP and A.P. Gopi in Kumarakom, despite Gopi’s win as a UDF independent. In response, the Congress party stated that Gopi is an independent candidate and that there is no formal understanding with the BJP. Notably, A.P. Gopi previously served as a CPM panchayat member for ten years. Following his expulsion from the party, he successfully contested the last three elections as an independent candidate.
The allocation of votes from BJP members led to an equal count of eight votes for both the UDF and LDF, with A.P. Gopi ultimately emerging victorious through the draw of lots. K.S. Salimone of the CPM was defeated in the process. While the BJP has expelled three members for their act of defiance, the loss of administrative control in Kumarakom after 55 years marks a significant setback for the CPM.