Shafi’s involvement in NH development works a cover-up act, says CPI(M)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] is apparently stepping up its political attack against Shafi Parambil, Vadakara MP, in view of the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against his close confidante and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has since been suspended from the Congress party.

A day after coming out against District Congress Committee president K. Praveenkumar for defending Mr. Parambil, the Kozhikode district secretariat of the CPI(M) on Tuesday (August 26) accused the MP of trying to cover up the allegations against Mr. Mamkootathil by highlighting the delay in completion of the Vengalam-Azhiyur stretch of the NH-66 and claiming to “be involved” in the issue.

In a statement, the party said that Mr. Parambil recently met the District Collector and National Highways Authority of India officials, along with Mr. Praveenkumar and created an impression that his “involvements” had been fruitful. The CPI(M) said that Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas had been trying to fast-track the work on the NH66 much before Mr. Parambil became an MP, and it was yielding results as well. The district officials had just communicated to the MP the results of Mr. Riyas’ attempts, the statement added.