Posters targeting CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan appeared across Payyannur town on Saturday, a day after his public allegation that MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan had misappropriated money from the party’s martyr’s fund, triggering fresh turmoil within the party.
The flex boards, carrying strong language and branding Mr. Kunhikrishnan as a “traitor”, surfaced at prominent locations. His photograph was defaced with black marking and the posters questioned his silence during earlier periods of repression against the party, while accusing him of challenging the party after enjoying its benefits.
The posters emerged soon after the CPI(M) Kannur district leadership publicly distanced itself from Mr. Kunhikrishnan’s statements, describing the allegations as baseless and alleging that he had become a tool in the hands of political adversaries.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) Kannur district committee will meet to discuss the controversy, including the allegations raised by Mr. Kunhikrishnan regarding party fund irregularities in Payyannur. The meeting will be held in the presence of State-level leaders.
Party sources indicated that disciplinary action may be initiated against Mr. Kunhikrishnan for his public statement that has put the party on the defensive.
The appearance of such posters against a senior party functionary has created an unusual and tense situation in Payyannur, highlighting the deepening internal rift within the CPI(M) over the issue.
Published – January 24, 2026 05:01 pm IST
