CPM leaders criticise Govindan for 'opportunistic' jibe at Pamplany

Says untimely intervention by leader only helped in losing credit party earned after nuns' arrest

- K S SREEJITH @T'Puram

STATE secretary M V Govindan is facing criticism from within the CPM leadership for his remarks against Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany. Govindan had accused Bishop Pamplany of opportunism, and praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the two arrested nuns were granted bail in Chhattisgarh. The CPM secretary reportedly termed the Archbishop as 'someone who is very opportunist'. The Syro Malabar Church retaliated in strong words and asked him not to speak like Govindachamy, a life sentence convict.

Sources in the CPM told TNIE that Govindan faced criticism in the party forum for his unwanted remark. Leaders are of the opinion that Govindan's intervention was untimely as it only helped lose the credit it earned through the party's intervention after the arrest of the nuns.