Even as CPI(M) is desperately trying to face up to a host of embarrassing issues that cropped up of late, its Kerala state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has reportedly offered to step down after a sexual abuse case was filed against his eldest son Binoy Kodiyeri.
However, CPI(M) leadership has opined that the situation doesn't warrant a resignation. "Kodiyeri did not try to protect or punish anyone. If he quits now, it would weaken the party," the leadership said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at the AKG Centre ahead of the CPI(M) secretariat meet. Rumours are rife that Kodiyeri would go on leave or might relinquish his post over the allegations raised against his son.
A woman had alleged that she had been sexually exploited for years by Binoy under the pretext of marriage, and that she had an eight-year-old son in the relationship. As Mumbai police have intensified their efforts to take Binoy into custody, he has refused to undergo a DNA test in connection with the sexual abuse case.
As serious charges have been slapped against him, sources say that chances of getting an anticipatory bail look bleak. The police have pointed out that the evidence collected from the woman was enough to arrest Binoy.
The three-day leadership meetings of the CPM in Kerala have begun even as the party finds itself cornered over the sexual abuse case against Binoy.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan might offer an explanation over the abuse case that has snowballed into a major embarrassment.
Secretariat members A K Balan and M V Govindan had publicly taken a stand that there was no need to link Kodiyeri or the party to the scandal. Most of the leaders are of the opinion that the guilty should be punished.
In such a scenario, party secretary is unlikely to face harsh criticisms. State secretariat will be held on Saturday, and the state council would meet on Sunday and Monday.
This story first appeared in onmanorama
