Kannur: Sulking senior CPM leader EP Jayarajan may quit as Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener as he is reportedly peeved with the party leadership in the wake of financial allegations raised against him by party veteran P Jayarajan. He might step down from his position as the LDF convener citing health reasons, sources close to him claimed.
EP, as the 72-year-old is known in party circles, may not participate in the CPM state secretariat meeting scheduled for Friday. However, he is set to attend a programme of the Indian National League (INL) on the same day in Kozhikode.
EP was appointed as the LDF convener last April.
In the CPM state committee meeting P Jayarajan had alleged that EP has financial interests in an ayurvedic resort in Morazha village, Kannur. He had also threatened that those who waver from the ideals of the party and the society would have no place in the CPM.
"The Communist Party won’t collapse if there is a debate or discussion within it; but it would emerge stronger just like refined gold," P Jayarajan had remarked.
Interestingly, both the leaders met later the same day the allegations were levelled. They took part in the wedding of Muslim League leader Pottankandi Abdulla in Panoor, and even sat together for a chat. The photos of the same were recently out.
Perhaps validating Jayarajan's claim, documents have emerged that show EP’s wife and his son indeed are director board members of the resort. The company named Kannur Ayurvedic Medical Care Private Limited was registered in 2014, with a capital of Rs 3 crore, in the address of a shop close to EP’s house at Aroli. Registration details show that that the company is governed by a 11-member directors' board.
The company has invested up to Rs 6.65 crore. EP’s son Jaison reportedly holds the largest number of shares (2,500) in the firm.
Complaints pour in against P Jayarajan
Soon after he raised allegations against EP, many party members have started complaining against P Jayarajan. MMTV reported that CPM's Central and State leaders have received many accusations claiming that P Jayarajan has links with 'quotation' gangs, smugglers based in Kannur and that he has misappropriated election funds while he contested in the Vadakara constituency.
Construction in 11 acres; 11 directors
Kannur Ayurvedic Medical Care Pvt Ltd was registered in 2014. The address given in the registration document is that of a commercial building adjoining EP's house. The Vaidekam resort in Morazha comes under this company.
As per documents, EP has no share in this establishment. The institution is run by an 11-member board of directors that includes PK Indira and son PK Jaison, EP's wife and son, respectively, and is located on 11 acres of land.
A contract builder, who is known to have constructed several of CPM-controlled establishments and houses for top leaders, is another director. Set up with a working capital of Rs 3 crore, the company can raise up to Rs 10 crore through placement of shares.
As per documents, Rs 6.65 crore has been collected till now as investments. When he was the minister, EP Jayarajan inaugurated the resort on April 28, 2021. However, the company is yet to be fully functional.
