V Kunhikrishnan releases book, alleges CPM harassment and evasion

Kannur: Expelled CPM whistleblower V Kunhikrishnan on Wednesday accused the party of evading the questions he raised while “harassing people through all possible means”, amid continuing political tension surrounding the release of his controversial book in Payyannur.

Speaking at the book launch, Kunhikrishnan alleged that attempts were being made to create a tense atmosphere in Payyanur ever since he raised allegations of financial irregularities against the party leadership. “The party is not only unwilling to answer the questions I raised but is continuing a pattern of intimidation and harassment,” he said.

Recounting a series of incidents, Kunhikrishnan said protests were held in front of his residence, crackers were burst at his gate, and the motorcycle of a supporter, Prasannan, was allegedly set on fire and completely destroyed. Kunhikrishnan said fears that the book release function could be disrupted had forced the organisers to approach the Kerala High Court, which granted police protection for the event. “It is on the basis of that order that this programme is being held today,” he said.

Referring to another incident, Kunhikrishnan alleged that a photo exhibition organised by the DYFI Velloor North Area Committee at the Kottanassery festival ground was shut down late on Tuesday night after objections were raised to the display of photographs by theatre activist and photographer Sargam Damu. Kunhikrishnan claimed that organisers were told the exhibition could not continue because most photographs displayed in the exhibition belonged to Damu. “Such incidents are repeatedly occurring in our region. Since there are no answers to the issues raised, there is a move towards provocation and intimidation,” he alleged.

Kunhikrishnan also accused his critics of launching a sustained personal attack against him on social media. He claimed obscene messages, false allegations and defamatory content were being circulated to discredit him personally. Drawing a parallel with propaganda tactics, he said methods associated with fascist regimes had resurfaced in new forms. He said he would elaborate on these issues later.

Political observer Joseph C Mathew, who released the book, urged the public to examine its contents critically and objectively. “This book goes beyond narration or commentary. It presents facts and figures with precision,” he said, adding that it was for the people—particularly party supporters—to assess the claims and decide where the truth lay. “The attempt to argue that someone should not speak at all is frightening. It reflects fear not of the speaker, but of the listeners,” he said, cautioning against efforts to suppress dissent. He also called for moderation in political discourse.

The book, The Rank Should Correct the Leadership, was released at 4 pm in Payyannur. V S Anil Kumar, son of left ideologue and writer M N Vijayan, received the first copy. The programme was organised by Jagratha Payyannur and was originally scheduled for January 29, but was postponed citing the prevailing situation in the area.