Alappuzha: Kayamkulam MLA U Prathibha has expressed regret over a controversial social media post in which she slammed the CPM leadership alleging leniency to those responsible for erosion of votes in the constituency in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election.
Earlier, CPM district secretary R Nazar had revealed that an explanation has been sought from Prathibha over her criticism of the party leadership on social media.
"Yet to receive the MLA's response. If no explanation is given, action would be taken," R Nazar had said on Thursday.
In a detailed report submitted to the district committee, the Kayamkulam area committee of the party rebutted the MLA's allegations of vote leak in Kayamkulam. The report also pointed out that the MLA had violated the party procedures.
Prathibha's margin of victory in the 2016 and 2021 state elections were 11,857 and 6,298 votes respectively.
The leadership is reportedly upset with the MLA for criticising the party on a public platform. In a Facebook post, Prathibha stated that the party did not probe the dip in vote share in Kayamkulam constituency and that those who connived against her have escaped action.
The party has also taken serious note that the post, which was put up on February 21, has not been withdrawn till Friday morning The post also includes remarks against the party Kayamkulam area committee and the CPM-led administration of the Kayamkulam Municipality. Following this, the district leadership sought the explanation.
Some leaders pointed out that the Facebook post can be interpreted as against the state leadership as they are aware that Prathibha had earlier complained to the state leadership about the issue.
What action is likely?
The CPM may remove an errant legislator or member from the elected posts in the party if no explanation is given to the notice issued or if the explanation given is not found to be satisfactory.
Prathibha is currently the Thakazhi area committee member of the CPM. The most likely action would be to remove her from that post and retain her as an ordinary member. As she is an MLA, there would be no drastic action such as expelling from the party. But as she is an area committee member, the district committee’s approval is required to take action against her.
The party is yet to respond to her apology issued on Friday morning.
