CPI(M) to seek explanation from VS's aid for "news leak"

S Achuthanandan, CPI(M) state secretariat in Kerala today decided to seek explanation from three of his close personal aids for "leaking out" information to media.

The three staff members, including his Press Secretary, in the office of Achuthanandan in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition would be asked to explain as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against them, party sources said.

All the three were assigned by the party on the personal staff of Achuthanandan when he assumed the office of Chief Minister in 2006 and they continued as the senior leader's aid after he became Leader of the Opposition following LDF's defeat in 2011.

The decision was based on the findings of an inquiry by a party committee which looked into the allegation that they had a role in leaking out information regarding the internal issues of the CPI(M).

Significantly, Achuthanandan recently incurred the wrath of the state set-up under firm control of his bete noire Pinarayi Vijayan for making open critical statements in the wake of the murder of Marxist rebel and RMP leader T P Chandrasekharan.

The octogenarian leader had also written to the central leadership seeking intervention in the state affairs. Sections in the party had alleged that some persons in Achuthanandan's camp had been leaking out news to media apparently to cast the rival camp in poor light.

In another decision, the secretariat recommended further action against Gopi Kottamurikkal, who was earlier removed as the secretary of Ernakulam district on charge of personal misconduct. The action against him would be decided by the state committee, sources said.