Munnar: A section of party workers led by CPM's Idukki district secretariat member K V Sasi tried to sideline former Devikulam MLA S Rajendran, the former lawmaker, now facing expulsion from the party, claimed.
Rajendran made the allegation in a letter, which has now become public, to CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. The Idukki leader said he had informed the move to sideline him within the party to CPM's central committee members.
Sasi, Rajendran alleged, kept him away from the election campaign, and insulted him in connection with union activities.
CPM had set up an inquiry commission to look into allegations against Rajendran that he and a few others tried to defeat the party's Devikulam candidate A Raja in the Assembly polls.
Rajendran's reply to the committee, too, was enclosed with his letter to Balakrishnan.
The former MLA further alleged that M M Mani, former minister and the party's strongman in Idukki, insulted him while he raised the issues in the district.
Mani, Rajendran said, told him to sit at home and take care of his family. The incident happened at the MLA Hostel in Thiruvananthapuram, he said.
Last week, CPM's Idukki district committee recommended to the party state committee to oust Rajendran for a year.
Rajendran has been one of the tallest CPM leaders in Idukki district and represented the Devikulam Assembly constituency for three terms from 2006 onwards. He was deeply upset when the party rejected his request to contest the April 6 Assembly polls for the fourth time.
The former legislator is not participating in the ongoing Iduki district conference of the CPM.
What Mani said, according to Rajendran
"Haven't you won four times? What else do you want? You sit at home taking care of your parents, children and family. The other guy, district secretary Jayachandran...if you think he would help you, you will see a different me."
Rajendran further said he stayed away from party meetings fearing insult by Mani, and the district secretary was informed of his decision.
Requesting to allow him to continue as a party member, Rajendran said he does not wish to work based on his caste.
