CPI-CPM feud: Party men hack each other

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two workers affiliated to the CPM and the CPI hacked each other with machetes at Kulathoor, near Kazhakoottam, on Tuesday in the continuing clashes between the two parties.  The injured were identified as Suresh, 41, of AITUC affiliated to the CPI and Shaji, 41, of CITU affiliated to the CPM,  both residents of Karimanal, Thumba police said. The judicial magistrate who visited them at the hospital remanded them. Shaji suffered  serious head injuries.

The duo who were  neighbours and close buddies developed a rivalry after Suresh left the CITU and joined the AITUC earlier this year. Around 200 CPM workers under Kulathoor local branch secretary Shibi had deserted the party before the Assembly elections and joined the CPI. This  led to several fights and a car belonging to Shibi that plies on contract from Technopark was burnt in May this year.

“Such fights happen at areas like Kulathoor, Aruvikkara, Pallichal and Azhikode. There is an exodus from the CPM to the CPI due to ideological reasons in these areas. Though we are allies in the state, we are different parties and such fights should be considered as normal occurrence,” said CPI district secretary B.S. Anil.

Last week, several AISF workers affiliated to the CPI were roughed up by SFI workers affiliated to the CPM inside University College. An AISF worker was trying to give nomination papers for varsity elections when the attack happened. AISF state general secretary Arun Babu was among the injured. During the Assembly elections,  the CPI and CPM workers were at loggerheads at Vamanapuram constituency.