In a strongly worded critique of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), former CPM leader V. Kunhikrishnan has accused the party of abandoning its core ideological principles and becoming overly focused on electoral gains rather than its founding ideals. The criticism comes ahead of the release of his book, Nethrhrutwathe Anikal Thiruthanam (“Reforming the Errors of Leadership”), scheduled to be launched on February 4, 2026, in Payyannur, Kerala.
Kunhikrishnan — who was later expelled from the CPM after raising allegations of financial mismanagement within party ranks — claims that the party in Kerala has transformed from a movement rooted in Marxist ideology and worker-based mobilisation into what he describes as a “poll-oriented machine.” He argues that the focus on winning elections has overshadowed the party’s commitment to social justice, grassroots empowerment and democratic governance.
According to excerpts from the forthcoming book, Kunhikrishnan alleges that certain leaders within the party have engaged in cronyism and misappropriation of funds, and that internal mechanisms like democratic centralism are now being manipulated to shield those implicated in financial irregularities. He also singles out local leaders whom he says ignored repeated complaints about irregularities, contributing to factionalism and organisational decay.
Ahead of the book launch, Kunhikrishnan has sought police protection via a petition in the High Court, citing safety concerns given the history of threats against activists who criticise powerful political groups. However, he has publicly stated that he does not fear retaliation and stands by his account of issues within the party.
The forthcoming book and the criticisms it contains have already sparked debate within political circles in Kerala, with supporters of the CPM dismissing the allegations as internal disputes and critics of the party pointing to the broader trend of ideological dilution in regional politics. The discussions come at a time when Kerala’s major parties are gearing up for an intensely contested assembly election later this year.
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