THRISSUR: “It is unnecessary to still perceive Communists as people who need black tea and a snack to carry out party work,” MP C N Jayadevan said on Thursday. His comments came in the wake of allegations that Communist leaders and senior party members are leading an opulent life and the recent suspension of a Rajya Sabha CPM member in West Bengal for leading a luxurious life.
He said there were times when the party workers led an austere life and carried out party work, but times have changed and so have their lifestyle. “The party leaders have to shuttle between places several times and this would require them to travel by flight or hire a car. There are leaders who take flights as they have health issues. All this cannot be dubbed as luxury," the CPI leader said.
However, on queries about the ‘big, fat wedding’ of MLA Geeta Gopi’s daughter going viral in the social media, he said it could have been conducted in a simpler manner. He also censured the media for its failure to see the positive side of the wedding. “It was an inter-caste marriage and the groom was her former driver. Caste and status were not an issue at all. However, nobody reported this,” he said.
Geeta Gopi’s explanation
Geetha Gopi has submitted an explanation to the party district committee. Inside sources said she informed the party the marriage was carried out in the most simplest manner. She said her daughter wore 75 sovereigns of gold. She and her husband gave 50 sovereigns, while the rest was gifted by her relatives.