INL grapples with another controversy

Devarkovil accused of accepting ₹3 lakh from League MP for election; party denies charge

Barely a week after the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State leadership admonishing the Indian National League (INL) for a controversy over the Public Service Commission (PSC) membership, a fresh row has erupted within the party over Minister of Ports Ahammed Devarkovil allegedly accepting ₹3 lakh from businessman P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP, also treasurer of the Indian Union Muslim League, for his election campaign in the Kozhikode South Assembly constituency. The INL leadership has rubbished the allegation, terming it disinformation, and has called it the handiwork of detractors within the party and a section of the media. “This is sheer nonsense spread by our detractors, especially after our party started getting political prominence in the State,” INL general secretary Kassim Irikkur told The Hindu on Monday. The latest controversy was a leaked telephonic conservation involving a former district secretary of the party. Three persons were suspended in connection with circulating the voice clip on social media. Mr. Irrikur said some disgruntled elements in the party, in collusion with a section of the media, had been trying to tarnish the image of the INL ever since Mr. Devarkovil was inducted into the Cabinet.