Govindan rules out debate with expelled leader

Kozhikode: CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Thursday said the issue involving expelled party leader V Kunhikrishnan is a closed chapter for the party. Responding to Kunhikrishnan's offer to take part in a public debate on the party's fund collection practices, Govindan said CPM was under no obligation to respond to demands raised by someone no longer in the organization."The party had already clarified its position and would issue any further clarification there if required," he said. Govindan added that the matter should be treated as a local issue and handled at that level. He also made it clear that the party would not respond to remarks made by Kunhikrishnan during the Vikasana Munnetta Yathra.Kunhikrishnan, while releasing his book "Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam" (Leadership Should Be Corrected by Cadres) on Wednesday, challenged Payyannur MLA T I Madhusoodhanan or any other party leader to a public debate over alleged irregularities in party fund collections. In the 96-page book, he has alleged irregularities in party fund collections, including the submission of fake receipt books for audit and the diversion and misappropriation of funds. Govindan said opposition leader V D Satheesan was trying to mislead people in the Sabarimala gold theft case as information emerging from the investigation pointed towards Congress leaders.