Big trouble for CPM: Letter points to corruption, leaders-businessman nexus

Thiruvananthapuram: The letter that sparked a political storm reveals more than the involvement of CPM state secretary MV Govindan's son, Shyamjith. The complaint letter sent by Chennai-based businessman B Muhammed Sharshad to the entrepreneur CPM leadership about the financial dealings of the London-based controversial businessman Rajesh Krishna reveals a range of allegations from corruption to financial scams linked to the party.

Sharshad claims he came to know of these dealings through his close association with Rajesh. Interestingly, the party, which also adopts a united and combative stance when faced with allegations, has maintained silence on this issue.

The letter begins by highlighting the close relationship between Shyamjith and Rajesh.

Excerpts from the letter
“When my family and I visited Delhi in 2018, we contacted Shyamjith for visitors’ passes to Parliament. Following his direction, I approached Rajesh, who arranged the passes through the office of then MP PK Biju. Rajesh’s help was also sought when we faced issues with a private bank transaction. The then Finance Minister Thomas Isaac personally called the bank to resolve the problem. Bank officials described the minister’s intervention to settle a private issue as indeed a ‘miracle.’

Rajesh accompanied the Chief Minister and Finance Minister Isaac during their visit to London related to the masala bond. The investment he made through a London-based shell company in connection with the Fisheries Department was a scam. This company was projected as the implementation agency of a major government project. A team from London, claiming to represent the company, visited Kerala. Despite receiving broad media coverage, they spoke only of the Suchitwasagaram project, which was already underway. The then Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma and other key figures even held press conferences during the visit.

A central probe is ongoing against a Chennai-based security services company for violating foreign investment rules. Rajesh funnelled money to various left leaders under the cover of this company. I now fear the investigation may soon touch the party and its leaders. Rajesh had also announced a car journey from London to Kochi that never happened, though the money collected for it disappeared. He exploited his position as a member of the Loka Kerala Sabha, and cheating is suspected in connection with a dance programme by actor Shobhana in London. Rajesh routed ₹80 lakh from England and Qatar into Kerala under the guise of producing the Mammootty-starrer Puzhu. His real aim was to penetrate the Malayalam film industry, gain recognition as a producer and secure positions and influence through dubious transactions.

In the UK, Rajesh flaunts his ties with CPM leaders in Kerala at party events, using these connections to push his personal agenda in bodies like the Loka Kerala Sabha, Malayalam Mission and the party’s cultural organisations. On several occasions, he has dragged visiting party leaders into questionable activities. His interventions during the UK visit of former Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan tarnished the party’s image among the Malayali diaspora to a great extent.

Rajesh’s criminal activities, shady alliances and misuse of party and government influence must be exposed before society. His exploitation of the Chief Minister’s name and those of other senior leaders poses a serious threat to both the party and the government.”

Sharshad flags role of CPM secretary’s son in letter leak
In his petition to CPM National General Secretary M A Baby, Sharshad specifically mentions Shyamjith’s role in the leak of his complaint about Rajesh Krishna to the CPM Polit Bureau. The email was sent on August 12. Ironically, it too was leaked.

From the Letter:
“I recently received notice from the Delhi High Court about a defamation case filed against me by Rajesh Krishna. To my shock, the petition I had submitted to the Polit Bureau was produced as primary evidence in court. That petition was strictly meant for the party’s internal review. I cannot understand how Rajesh gained access to such a confidential document. I strongly suspect the involvement of MV Govindan’s son, Shyamjith, in this. Rajesh had previously settled several of Shyamjith’s business dealings with a Malabar-based industrial magnate. I feel it is my duty to bring this matter to your attention. I also hope utmost caution will be exercised to prevent further leaks of the party’s internal communications.”

Who is Rajesh Krishna?
Rajesh Krishna hit the headlines recently when he attempted to participate in the CPM Party Congress held in Madurai as a foreign delegate. According to reports, Rajesh had arrived as a representative of the AIC, a CPM-affiliated organisation in the UK. However, he was denied entry and sent back following a complaint. Earlier, Rajesh had also faced allegations of assaulting the owner of a YouTube channel.

A native of Varyapuram in Pathanamthitta, Rajesh was once active in the SFI and also worked as a journalist, including a stint with a pro-CPM television channel. Now a businessman based in London, he has also ventured into the Malayalam film industry as an executive producer of ‘Puzhu’ and ‘Ntikkakkoru Premandaarnn’.

Rajesh is the author of the book ‘London to Kerala’, which recounts his road journey between the two countries. Interestingly, the letter submitted by Sharshad to the party also mentions the circumstances that led to this journey ending abruptly. Rajesh’s wife is also employed in London.

Who is Sharshad, the complainant?
B Muhammad Sharshad, a native of Peringadi in New Mahe and a Chennai-based businessman, began his career as an employee in a private firm. He was a member of the CPM Peringadi branch and also served as the DYFI local joint secretary.

After completing his graduation, he joined a private firm where he was later promoted to the post of manager. In 2008, he shifted to Chennai and, along with a friend, founded a company engaged in the sale of building materials. As his business grew, he expanded into the export and import of building materials.

Though he became a permanent resident of Chennai, Sharshad continued to attend party events.