KT Jaleel, wife joins CPI(M), calls it ‘opposing communal forces’

KT Jaleel and Wife Fathimakutty (File) | Photo credit: Facebook page

KT Jaleel, former Kerala minister for local administration and higher education, has formally joined the CPI(M) along with his wife Fathimakutty, who graduated last week.

After his defeat in Thavanur in the recent Assembly elections, Dr. Jaleel to cyber attacks, especially by IUML supporters. He said he would remain “grateful” to the CPI(M) for making him an MLA for four terms and a minister for five years “without begging or seeking referrals from anyone”.

“To prevent a repeat of Bengal”

He warned against weakening the Left Front, saying that it would harm the weaker sections and minorities. Referring to West Bengal, he said the Trinamool Congress was formed after the decline of the Communist Party and had a “life span” of just 15 years. “BJP is ruling Bengal now. We need the Left in Kerala to avoid a repeat of Bengal,” he said.

In a post on Facebook, Dr. Jaleel stated that most communist leaders adhere to higher standards of public behavior compared to other parties, although he acknowledges exceptions. He said that the CPI(M) isolates those found to be corrupt and claimed that it has fewer opportunists and frauds and has strong personal integrity and secularism.

He alleged that some people were spreading communal hatred in the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities by discouraging believers from joining the Communist Party. He said his and his wife’s decision to join the CPI(M) was an “act of resistance” against such forces, which he described as “part of a global effort” to weaken communist parties.

Dr. Jaleel said that people can be both religious and communist, pointing to countries like Iran, China, Russia and North Korea standing together against global capitalism. “Similar platforms should emerge in India,” he said.

Dr. Jaleel said their joining the party was also a rejection of those who “abuse” religion and religious symbols to cheat people, accumulate wealth, hold power, live in luxury and spread hatred.

He added that while many join parties in good times, he chose to stand with the CPI(M) in tough times.

According to him, “every humanist has an obligation to join the party.”

Published – 03 Jun 2026 15:20 IST