In spite of demands raised by a section of the party cadre, the CPI(M) is unlikely to take immediate disciplinary action against former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and district committee member A. Padmakumar, who was recently arrested in connection with he alleged misappropriation of gold at Sabarimala.
According to party sources, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan informed the Pathanamthitta district committee on Tuesday that any strong organisational action would be considered only after the chargesheet is filed.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Govindan reiterated that the party has adopted a firm and uncompromising position on the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.
“Not a single granule of Ayyappa’s gold will be lost. If anyone from the CPI(M) is found involved, the party will not spare them,” he said, adding that the issue was not officially on Tuesday’s agenda, which focussed on election preparations.
He maintained that the party faced no dilemma, as its stance on the matter was clear and unwavering.
Mr. Padmakumar and former TDB president N. Vasu are currently in remand after being arrested by the Special Investigation Team probing the case.
Within the party, however, pressure is building. A section of the cadre is demanding stern disciplinary action, arguing that retaining Mr. Padmakumar in the district committee could damage the party’s credibility.
Meanwhile, the leadership has instructed party workers to emphasise the strong measures taken by the State government at Sabarimala and to highlight the LDF’s development initiatives in the region.
Published – November 25, 2025 08:04 pm IST
