The political fizz about the possibility of another headline-grabbing defection from the Congress seemed to gain some traction on Monday with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] transmitting an unequivocal declaration of solidarity with embattled Congress leader Aryadan Shoukath on the very day he appeared before a party disciplinary committee to answer the charge of “mutinous political activity”.
The committee headed by Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MLA, sought Mr. Shoukath’s explanation for holding a pro-Palestine rally in Malappuram, violating the party’s diktat.
Mr. Shouakath appeared to scotch the CPI(M)-initiated speculation about a possible fallout with his party. He told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that his commitment to Palestine remained unshaken, and his loyalty lay with the Congress.
