KANNUR: The uneasiness among CPM cadre over the controversy surrounding the E P Jayarajan-Prakash Javadekar meeting has spilled over to social media with some comparing EP with P Jayarajan, another party stalwart from Kannur.
Interestingly, the Facebook page ‘Red Amy’ — formerly known as PJ Army — has a photograph of P Jayarajan with the comment, “Among some individuals who consistently jeopardise the party with their vested business interests, there are those who have achieved nothing”. The comrades have juxtaposed P Jayarajan, who is hailed as ‘unselfish fighter’, with EP, who is seen as a ‘leader who used party platform for personal gains’. Other pro-CPM social media pages such as ‘Chuvappinte Porali’ and ‘Porali Shaji’ have echoed similar sentiments. ‘Chuvappinte Porali’ shared a cryptic post resembling that of the Red Army’s, without explicitly mentioning EP’s name but featuring a photo of P Jayarajan.
‘PJ’ supporters target EP on social media
One post by ‘Porali Shaji’ reads, “Even if a tree bears gold, it must be cut down if it leans on to the house. The issue isn’t solely about the acceptance of BJP’s invitation; even the meeting itself should have been avoided. The gravest mistake lies in the decision to confirm the meeting on election day. Even while maintaining respect for the comrade we must say you have caused ample headaches for the party. We must not forget this!”
The rift between P Jayarajan and EP has made headlines in the past also. In 2023, P Jayarajan raised allegations within the CPM state committee regarding EP’s financial dealings related to his ayurvedic resort.
In response, EP addressed the party state committee, attributing the accusations to “a member” aimed at tarnishing his four-decade-long political career.
There is a feeling among the supporters of P Jayarajan, who was the party’s Kannur district secretary, that the leader was sidelined because he didn’t toe the line of those with business interests in the CPM.