EN Suresh Babu removed as CPI(M) Palakkad secretary after complaint by female lawyer; the party may consider expulsion

EN Suresh Babu (File) | Photo credit: KK MUSTAFAH

The CPI(M) state leadership in Kerala took direct action following a complaint by a female lawyer about the alleged misconduct of EN Suresh Babu, which led to his removal from the post of Palakkad district secretary. The party may now consider further disciplinary action, including expelling him from primary membership.

A complaint submitted to the state CPI(M) leadership by a woman from Ottappalam, who is associated with the party’s lawyers’ organisation, is believed to have contained the evidence. The alleged incident took place at the CPI(M) district committee office in Palakkad, where the woman was called, according to party sources.

The seriousness of the complaint required the intervention of top management. Politburo member and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly summoned Mr. Baba and read the complaint to him. He was asked to resign as District Secretary.

Mr Babu is understood to have requested that the grievance not be cited as the reason for his dismissal. The party subsequently assumed his recall as part of its organizational review after the electoral failure.

The decision to recall him was taken at a district secretariat meeting attended by CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan. Former MLA V. Chenthamarakshan has been appointed as the new Palakkad District Secretary.

The move is significant as district secretaries usually change during party conferences. It is also the first such removal as part of the organizational changes that are taking place after the electoral failure.

Disciplinary action

Party officials may consider further disciplinary action against Mr. Baba, including expulsion from primary membership. The matter is likely to be discussed at the state secretariat meeting after the extended district committee meeting. A party may also consider establishing a special commission of inquiry to investigate the complaint.

At the meetings of the district secretariat and the district committee, there was a demand to remove Mr. Baba from all party duties. The district leadership apparently feels that its continuation could have political consequences for the party.

The CPI(M) has faced criticism in the past for its handling of grievances involving women, including the case of former MLA PK Sasi. The latest measure suggests state leaders are trying to send a clear signal that harassment complaints will be taken seriously.

Senior CPI(M) leader and former MP NN Krishnadas said there were differences of opinion within the party, but no ideological or political factionalism. He said the party was going through changes at the district, area committee and local committee levels.

“If there is a complaint, our party will take it seriously and deal with it seriously,” Mr Krishnadas said.

Published – October 5, 2026 12:41 PM IST