Out of CPM, rebel turns MLA, T K Govindan visits Kodiyeri’s house

KANNUR: T K Govindan, the newly designated MLA from Taliparamba, visited the residence of late former CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. He visited the late leader’s house along with his wife Remani. He paid floral tributes at the statue of Kodiyeri.

Party strongholds like Taliparamba and Payyannur in Kannur witnessed organizational issues and T K Govindan and V Kunhikrishnan contesting polls as independent candidates against party candidates and winning turned major ripples in Kerala politics. The visit of Govindan and his wife after all these is being seen as politically significant. Govindan had earlier opposed CPM’s decision to field P K Shyamala, wife of state secretary M V Govindan, in Taliparamba, and contested against her. His visit now comes at a time when criticism is mounting over the party’s defeat.

Recalling his relationship with Kodiyeri, Govindan said: “We all lived like one family. I can never forget the emotional bond with him. Even when I contested against the party candidate, Kodiyeri’s image was in my mind. If Kodiyeri had been there, the party wouldn’t be facing these issues today. The issues in Payyannur, Taliparamba, or Ambalappuzha wouldn’t have arisen. I have personally experienced his ability to resolve organizational issues from a young age.

In any crisis, just looking at Kodiyeri’s face would resolve the issues. His smile itself would solve problems. That’s why I often say if Kodiyeri was here. Seeing the present condition of the party makes me feel that more strongly. In every political crisis, I remember him and feel the loss. What political meaning this visit has-- when the party faces such a crisis, I come to see Kodiyeri,’ he said.

Meantime, Kodiyeri’s wife Vinodini Balakrishnan said the visit was purely personal. ‘People like him and carry him in their hearts. Those who come here with affection, I welcome them with affection. I don’t see any politics in this. I will not call T K Govindan a class traitor. I have no need for that. Anyone who comes to my house with love will be received cordially,’ she said.