‘I have freedom to work, LDF members haven’t been cooperative’: Payyannur MLA
Kunhikrishnan Responds to Madhusoodanan's Legal Notice Amid Rising Tensions
Indiadailyupdate.com – Payyannur's current MLA, V. Kunhikrishnan, has received a formal legal notice from his predecessor, T.I. Madhusoodanan, a prominent CPI(M) figure. This development comes after Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the party for publicly exposing alleged financial misconduct within the organization. The controversy centers on claims that the C.V. Dhanaraj Martyrs' Fund was misappropriated, with Madhusoodanan reportedly playing a central part in the matter.
Following his expulsion, Kunhikrishnan released a publication titled Nethruthwathe Anikal Thiruthanam, which translates to "The Cadres Should Correct the Leadership." The book detailed his grievances and expanded upon the accusations he had previously made against the party hierarchy.
Electoral Upset and Continued Friction
The political landscape of Payyannur shifted dramatically during the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Running as an Independent candidate backed by the UDF, Kunhikrishnan secured a decisive victory over Madhusoodanan. He garnered approximately 76,640 votes, surpassing his former party colleague's count of 69,153 by a margin of 7,487 votes. This triumph marked the end of the CPI(M)'s prolonged control over the constituency.
Despite this electoral setback, Kunhikrishnan contends that senior party leaders persist in making hostile comments directed at him and his allies. On August 6, K.K. Ragesh, the CPI(M) district secretary for Kannur, delivered a particularly sharp statement. While addressing the burning of a shrimp shed owned by Purushothaman—a Kunhikrishnan supporter—Ragesh claimed the party could "not only demolish the shed in Payyannur but also to uproot everything beneath it." The LDF subsequently organized a demonstration at the DySP office, calling for the apprehension of those truly responsible for the incident.
Legal and Administrative Developments
In an interview with THE WEEK, Kunhikrishnan elaborated on the legal notice and the ongoing challenges he faces. When asked about his next steps, he explained that their primary duty is to address the notice. Their response categorically rejects the claims made by Madhusoodanan's legal representative. He noted that detailed arguments can be presented in court if litigation ensues, but for now, a straightforward denial suffices.
Q: Does the legal notice also demand that the book be withdrawn?
A: Yes. It demands that the book be withdrawn, that an apology be issued, and that ₹1 crore be paid as compensation.
Additionally, Madhusoodanan has initiated an election petition in the High Court, seeking to nullify the recent results. He argues that Kunhikrishnan circulated misleading information during the campaign. According to the MLA, the petition remains pending as technical issues require resolution before it can be formally admitted.
Challenges in Parliamentary Functioning
Having served as an MLA for roughly two to three months, Kunhikrishnan reflected on his experience. He clarified that he does possess the liberty to perform his duties, yet cooperation from LDF members, particularly CPI(M) affiliates, has been limited. He highlighted that panchayat-related matters typically necessitate coordination with the sitting MLA, especially when seeking government approvals. Unfortunately, he observed a noticeable absence of such engagement.
Q: It's been two or three months since you became an MLA. How has it been functioning in that capacity? Do you have the freedom to work effectively there?
A: It's not that I have no freedom to work. However, LDF members, especially those from the CPI(M), have not been very cooperative.
Regarding the harassment of his supporters, Kunhikrishnan acknowledged that while the intensity may have changed, the incidents have not ceased entirely. He pointed to the destruction of Purushothaman's shrimp farm as evidence of this ongoing pattern. Purushothaman, formerly a CPI(M) member, was expelled after aligning himself with Kunhikrishnan.
He identified two recent events that seem to have fueled this aggression. The first was a press conference convened by Madhusoodanan within a police station premises following his visit to the DySP. The remarks delivered during that session were described as highly inflammatory. The second was a DYFI procession held the previous day, where Ragesh delivered a speech that allegedly encouraged party workers to engage in violent actions.
Q: Earlier there were attacks on your supporters as well. Is that still continuing?
A: I wouldn't say it is continuing in the same way, but it has not completely stopped either. The destruction of Purushothaman's [a former CPI(M) member who was expelled from the party after supporting Kunhikrishnan] shrimp farm is part of that pattern of violence.
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