Bribery Allegations Shake CPI(M) in Kerala

The CPI(M) expelled K V Pramod, a Kozhikode Town Area Committee member, for tarnishing the party's image amid allegations of bribery for appointments in the Kerala PSC. The District Secretariat took action following news reports, while Pramod denies wrongdoing and stages a protest to assert his innocence.

The CPI(M) on Saturday expelled its Kozhikode Town Area Committee member, K V Pramod, following accusations linking him to bribery for appointments in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC).

In a statement, the CPI(M) District Secretariat did not explicitly mention the allegations but emphasized that Pramod was removed to protect the party's public image.

The controversy was spotlighted in the state Assembly by the Opposition, citing reports of Pramod allegedly accepting bribes from a doctor for a PSC position. The Secretariat's decision came after Pramod's name appeared in several news stories.

In response, Pramod, alongside his mother and son, protested at the home of Sreejith, who made the bribery claims, demanding proof. 'I am trying to prove my innocence,' Pramod told the media, asserting his limited influence within the party and denying any involvement in bribery. He reiterated his loyalty to the party and his resolve not to damage its reputation.

Previously, Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan had defended the integrity of the PSC appointment process, asserting the government's commitment to taking tough actions against any fraudulent activities.