CPM faces heat after letter links UK-based businessman as Kerala leaders' benami

A fresh controversy has erupted in Kerala after a businessman alleged that another UK-based businessman, Rajesh Krishna, was acting as a benami for several senior leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM).

The allegation has intensified scrutiny on the party following claims that a confidential letter sent to the CPIM Politburo (PB) was leaked by the son of CPIM state secretary MV Govindan.

A Politburo, short for Political Bureau, is the highest decision-making body within the party, responsible for political strategy, leadership appointments, and guiding the party’s overall direction.

The confidential letter, written by businessman Sharshad, contained a complaint about Rajesh Krishna, whom he claimed was involved in multiple financial dealings on behalf of senior CPIM leaders. Sharshad questioned how his private correspondence to the PB had ended up in the possession of Rajesh Krishna.

In his letter to CPIM general secretary MA Baby, Sharshad stated, “I suspect the possible involvement of Shyam, son of CPIM State secretary MV Govindan in the matter, because of his close association with Rajesh Krishna, particularly in connection with financial dealings.”

Sharshad also alleged that Rajesh Krishna had been acting as a benami for certain CPIM leaders, including a former minister. He further noted that a defamation suit filed against him by Rajesh Krishna relied on this confidential Politburo letter as primary evidence, raising questions about the leak and the handling of sensitive party information.

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