In a major setback for the ruling CPM, party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan stepped down on Friday, citing health issues. LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan will lead the party for the time being.
The development comes a day after his elder son Bineesh Kodiyeri sent to jail for his role in gold smuggling and narcotic business. An official statement said the party secretariat accepted a request from state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for leave from the post for further treatment. However, the duration of leave has not been mentioned.
Kodiyeri who always schools his party men about probity in public life is assailed by a series of controversies involving his sons. His other son is caught up in a paternity case. Bineesh has been in the eye of storm over a money laundering case. With the Enforcement Directorate tightening the noose around Bineesh Kodiyeri, there were reports that Kodiyeri may step down. A year ago when allegations surfaced against his son, Kodiyeri had offered to resign.
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