CPM suspends Padmakumar from all party positions

Kottayam: Former Travancore Devaswom Board president and an accused in Sabarimala gold heist case, A Padmakumar, was suspended from CPM’s primary membership on Monday.CPM Pathanamthitta district secretariat decided to suspend Padmakumar, a district committee member, and the action was ratified later by district committee.

The suspension period hasn't been fixed.

CPM central committee member T M Thomas Isaac and MLA Saji Cherian attended the meeting.Though a stronger action, like Padmakumar’s dismissal, was expected, the party softened its stance amid fears that he could raise serious allegations against the top brass if pushed harder. There were reports that Padmakumar was writing an autobiography containing disclosures that could embarrass CPM.Padmakumar was arrested on Nov 20, 2025, as the eighth accused in the case. The special investigation team (SIT) established that the crime was carried out with his knowledge. He was in jail for 90 days and secured default bail along with other accused as the chargesheet wasn't filed within the stipulated period.Isaac said Padmakumar was suspended from all positions, and further steps would be considered after SIT filed its chargesheet.

CPM will seek his explanation on the points mentioned in it, and if the findings were serious, stringent action will follow, he said. The current suspension was based on public sentiment and anyone was free to write an autobiography, Isaac added.CPM district secretary Raju Abraham said action wasn't delayed, noting that Padmakumar was asked to stay away from election-related activities. Once SIT submits the chargesheet, a final decision will be taken, he said. On the autobiography, Abraham said CPM wasn't worried of disclosures — and hoped it would become a bestseller. Padmakumar’s reported revelations appeared to be coming through a friend, and will be examined if they emerged with greater clarity, he added.