Sabarimala gold theft: No strict action, CPM suspends A Padmakumar

PATHANAMTHITTA: Former Travancore Devaswom Board president and CPM Pathanamthitta District Committee member A Padmakumar has been suspended from the party. The CPM, which had earlier refrained from taking action against Padmakumar despite allegations that had put the party in a difficult position, finally decided to act following its defeat in the Assembly elections.

Padmakumar had recently given his explanation on the allegation that he was involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He stated that he had not committed any wrongdoing and had not brought disrepute to the party. The CPM Pathanamthitta district leadership had sought his explanation through a letter sent by post. Padmakumar submitted his reply through a messenger.

The state leadership had earlier assessed that the Sabarimala gold theft case had contributed to the LDF’s setback in the elections. Based on this assessment, the leadership directed the district committee to initiate action against Padmakumar, leading to his suspension. The duration of the suspension has not been disclosed. The decision was taken at a district committee meeting attended by senior leader Thomas Isaac. A district secretariat meeting was held after the committee meeting. Although stronger action, including expulsion from the party, was reportedly considered, the leadership decided to limit the action to suspension.

Meanwhile, Padmakumar had clarified that he would not challenge the party if the CPM took action against him. He said he had no plans to write an autobiography and denied any involvement in the gold theft case. He added that he would decide his next course of action if the party took disciplinary action against him.