Tue Aug 05 11:11:19 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: CPI(M) MLA Defends Attendance at Farewell for Convicted Party Activists**

**KANNUR, August 5, 2025** – K.K. Shailaja, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], has defended her presence at a farewell event held for CPI(M) activists convicted in a 1994 attempted murder case. The activists were convicted of attempting to murder Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader C. Sadanandan.

The farewell, organized by the CPI(M) Mattanur Pazhassi South Local Committee, took place before the activists surrendered to begin serving their sentences. Photos from the event, showing Ms. Shailaja and other party members in attendance, have drawn criticism from various sources.

Ms. Shailaja, speaking to the press on Tuesday, August 5, stated that the convicted individuals are long-time, local CPI(M) activists who, to her knowledge, “have always worked for the good of the country.” She acknowledged the grief of their families, who she says believe in the men’s innocence.

While reiterating her respect for the court verdict, Ms. Shailaja refuted claims that the event was a public honoring of criminals. “It was not a send-off in the way it’s being portrayed,” she stated. “They are people who lead a decent life. The court’s verdict is based on their statements, and the party has not expelled them.”

The controversy surrounding Ms. Shailaja’s presence at the farewell highlights the ongoing political tensions between the CPI(M) and the BJP, particularly in regions like Kannur, where political violence has historically been a concern. The event has sparked debate about the appropriateness of elected officials showing support for individuals convicted of violent crimes, regardless of their political affiliations.

Read More