Kerala CPI Rift Over Nattika Seat as MLA C.C. Mukundan Threatens Independent Bid

Overview

• Mukundan alleges the party is sidelining him in favor of former MLA Geetha Gopi because she can raise funds, calling it a “payment seat” move.
• He says he will run even without the CPI ticket and is weighing an independent bid after contacts from several leaders, including Congress’s Ramesh Chennithala.
• Geetha Gopi dismisses the charges and says she will abide by party directions, noting her prior two terms representing Nattika.
• CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam rejects any pay‑for‑ticket practice, calls Mukundan’s remarks an emotional outburst, and says the party is willing to hear his grievances.
• A CPI state council meeting has finalized a slate of 25 candidates, with an official announcement pending, and an insider indicates Mukundan does not figure on the list.