Fri Feb 21 15:42:39 UTC 2025: ## 86 Congress Members Join CPI(M) in Kerala

**Kozhikode, Kerala – February 21, 2025** – Eighty-six former members of the Indian National Congress, including several leaders, joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) in Kozhikode on Friday. The defections, led by prominent figures associated with the Chevayur Service Cooperative Bank, follow a contentious bank election in November 2024 marred by violence.

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan welcomed the new members, presenting them with red shawls and party flags. He emphasized the party’s commitment to protecting them against alleged threats from Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Sudhakaran, who reportedly warned those opposing the Congress-backed panel in the bank election.

The defectors, including former bank president P. Vishwanathan and current president G.C. Prashanth Kumar, cited their fight against corruption as the reason for their switch. Govindan drew parallels between their situation and that of N.M. Vijayan, who died by suicide after facing pressure related to a job scam at another cooperative bank, highlighting the CPI(M)’s alleged protection against such pressures. CPI(M) district secretary M. Mehaboob framed the move as a battle “between truth and lies.”

The event, attended by several senior CPI(M) leaders, underscores a significant shift in political allegiances in the region. The defections are likely to have implications for future local elections and the overall political landscape of Kozhikode.

Read More