The CPI(M) is considering action against Padmakumar amid a row within the party

As pressure mounts within the CPI(M) to crack down on former leader A. Padmakumar in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, all eyes are now on the CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee meeting on Monday.

The party leadership confirmed that all matters relating to Mr. Padmakumar would be discussed in the meeting. “Whether he should be removed from party posts or whether disciplinary proceedings should be initiated can only be decided after detailed discussion,” said a senior party leader.

Since Mr. Padmakumar is a member of the district committee, any disciplinary decision will require the approval of the state leadership before it can be implemented. Senior officials Thomas Isaac and VN Vasavan will attend the meeting tomorrow as representatives of the state leadership.

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The meeting, meanwhile, also gains significance following speculation that the disciplinary proceedings against Padmakumar could lead to revelations that could embarrass the party. The gold smuggling controversy came to the fore during the recent meeting of the state committee of the CPI(M), which concluded that this issue too had contributed to its electoral failure. Therefore, the State Committee authorized the district management to decide on the appropriate disciplinary action.

While there appears to be broad agreement within the party that disciplinary action is necessary to prevent further embarrassment, differences remain over the nature and severity of the action to be taken. According to party insiders, a section of the leadership still fears that the severe disciplinary action could provoke Mr. Padmakumar to make a damaging disclosure. There have also been reports that he is preparing an autobiography in which he may refer to senior party officials. “Some of Mr. Padmakumar’s remarks, including references to a person he described as ‘divine’, are being widely interpreted as veiled comments aimed at some top party leaders,” a party leader said.

However, the CPI(M) leadership sought to refute such speculations. “If Mr Padmakumar is to reveal anything at all, the party has nothing to do with it,” CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan told reporters on Sunday.

Mr. Padmakumar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, was serving as CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee member when he was summoned as an accused in the case. The Special Investigation Team probing the scam recorded his arrest in both cases in connection with the controversy. He is currently out on bail after spending almost three and a half months in jail.

Following the case, the party ordered him to stay away from its programs, arguing that disciplinary action could await the final outcome of the investigation. Subsequently, the district secretary issued him a summons asking for an explanation for disparaging the party.

Published – 14 Jun 2026 18:47 IST