Left Party Battles Against Media's Fake Narratives to Protect Its Credibility

Amid allegations against its leaders in Kannur and their alleged ties with anti-social elements, the ruling CPIM on Saturday accused a section of the media of spreading a false narrative to undermine its credibility. The Left government has faced criticism from opposition parties over accusations by a former party member, alleging involvement in gold smuggling and other illegal activities.

The CPIM's district secretariat stated that the media was falsely claiming that the CPIM, its state committee member P Jayarajan, and District committee member M Shajar were aiding anti-social elements. "The fake narrative and news being spread against the CPIM by certain media houses are completely baseless and highly condemnable," it said.

Media Allegations

The party criticised Manu Thomas, a former member who did not renew his membership, for spreading false narratives against Left leaders. It described his actions as condemnable. The CPIM emphasised that it does not support any anti-social elements, despite some media houses suggesting otherwise.

The ruling Communist party highlighted its efforts to mobilise labour and peasant masses and lead the fight against injustice and corruption. It also mentioned its continuous struggle against casteism and corporate policies. "After the general elections, right-wing political parties and some media outlets are attempting to undermine the public credibility of CPIM," it added.

CPIM's Response

The party urged its workers to remain cautious of such fake narratives. It also condemned the actions of certain anti-social elements making threatening statements on social media. "The party has not asked any anti-social elements to act as its spokespersons on social media," it added.

Earlier in the day, CPI, the second-largest coalition partner in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, criticised social media handles claiming to be pro-Left but connected to anti-social activities, including gold smuggling. CPI stated that these handles contributed to recent setbacks for the Left movement.

CPI's Stand

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam issued a hard-hitting statement: "The realisation that those who pretend to be protectors of the Left movement were actually custodians of the underworld was something which was unable to be tolerated by the Left sympathisers." He stressed that such revelations were intolerable for genuine supporters of the Left.

The CPIM reiterated that certain media houses were spreading false news about its leaders' involvement with anti-social elements. It called these campaigns completely baseless and urged people to understand this attempt to undermine their credibility.

The party's statement concluded by reaffirming its commitment to fighting against injustice and corruption while mobilising labour and peasant masses. It remains engaged in continuous efforts against casteism and corporate policies.