CPM omits VS from martyr list
In a deviation from the official history of the party, an article published by CPM mouthpiece Deshabhimani is silent on the part played by Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan in the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle.
The article written by CPM Alappuzha district secretary C.B. Chandra-babu has listed the contributions of leaders P. Krishna Pillai and E.M.S. Namboodiripad.
The article also acknowledged the role of leaders like K.C. George, T.V. Thomas and P.T. Punnoose, who stood with the CPI after the Communist Party split. Chandrababu also listed the contributions of K.V. Pathrose, who was expelled from the party.
However, critics say that the article, through its silence on the role of Achuthanandan, has legitimised the stand of right wing historians who have all along questioned the veteran communist’s role in the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle. The only saving grace is that no other leaders who are still alive, find their names in the list.
However, none of the living stalwarts of the party other than Achuthanandan, has been related to the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle.
Achuthanandan’s critics in the party including M.M. Lawrence have questioned the role of the veteran CPM leader in the struggle.
As per the official history of the party, Achuthanandan was the volunteer captain of one
of the jathas planned to the police camps in Ambalappuzha and Cherthala on October 24, 1946. Apart from that, one of the meetings to explain the political stand of the party was held at Velikkakkathu Veedu, the ancestral home of Achuthanandan.
He then went into hiding in Poonjar following the party’s direction, but was arrested later and subjected to brutal police torture, says the party history.
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