Thiruvananthapuram: On polling day, the ruling LDF was rocked by controversy as excerpts from the unpublished autobiography of veteran CPM leader E.P. Jayarajan made headlines.
News channels broadcasted segments of the book where the CPM central committee member criticised the party for his removal as LDF Convenor. There are alleged critical views about the Pinarayi Vijayan and the nomination of P. Sarin as the LDF-supported independent candidate in Palakkad. The book allegedly quotes Jayarajan stating that Sarin switched to the LDF after being refused a ticket by Congress.
E.P. Jayarajan has dismissed these excerpts as unfounded. "I have not written anything of this sort in my book. Even the title of the book is incorrect," he stated. Jayarajan has complained with the DGP, requesting a thorough investigation.
In his complaint, the CPM leader alleged that the news reports concerning the book are "fake, manipulated, and part of a larger conspiracy" aimed at influencing the by-elections in Wayanad and Chelakkara, as well as the upcoming elections in Palakkad.
Earlier in the day, DC Books, which was initially set to publish the autobiography "Kattan Chaayayum Parippuvadayum: The Life of a Communist," announced a delay in its release via a Facebook post. The postponement was attributed to production issues, and the publisher promised to provide details about the eventual launch of the book.
Jayarajan denied finalizing any publishing agreement, stating that his manuscript is still in progress and has not yet been completed. He added that only preliminary discussions were ongoing with DC Books and Mathrubhumi, but no publishing rights had been granted to anyone as of now. "Why would I release my book on election day and risk harming my party? I saw the cover image circulating online for the first time today," he remarked.
The excerpts from the autobiography reportedly contained critical observations about the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. He called for introspection within the party and expressed disappointment over his removal as LDF convener without a proper hearing.
Following the directions of the CPM leadership, Jayarajan will be addressing election rallies in Palakkad to support Sarin on Thursday. The decision to involve Jayarajan in the campaign is to send a clear message to voters that the entire party and its leadership are behind the LDF candidate.
