Kerala’s Left-backed independent MLA K.T. Jaleel said on Wednesday that he would quit electoral politics once the term of current assembly ends in 2026. Jaleel’s announcement came days after P.V. Anvar, another independent legislator backed by the ruling CPI(M), raised serious allegations against the chief minister’s office and a few top police officials.
“I have no commitment to any party, be it the CPI(M) or the Congress. But I will continue to cooperate with the CPI(M),” Jaleel said addressing a press conference in Malappuram. He said he agreed with certain issues raised by Anvar, but there were certain points of disagreement.
Both Jaleel and Anwar hail from Malappuram, a Muslim majority district, which is at the centre of a political controversy after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in an interview to a national daily, allegedly portrayed the district as a hub of anti-national activities. Though the chief minister later disowned the statements, the damage was already done with the opposition Congress launching a frontal attack on him and the ruling CPI(M).
Jaleel, who represents Thavanoor constituency, said he will continue his public life without any power. “I will complete 20 years as a legislator. I’m looking forward to a life without any power. I’ve no further interests,” he added.
Jaleel said though he would maintain his good friendship with Anwar, he would oppose the Nilambur MLA’s plan to float a new political party. Anwar had revealed his intention to form a new party after the CPI(M) claimed that it had snapped all ties with the legislator following his open revolt against the CMO. Party state secretary M.V. Govindan had urged party workers “expose and resist” Anvar’s “vilification campaign” against the Kerala government.
Jaleel had strongly backed Anwar on the allegations he had made against the police leadership, including the alleged RSS-police nexus in the state. State ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar’s meeting with top RSS leaders and the controversy over Thrissur Pooram had stirred up a huge political storm in the state, leaving Chief Minister Vijayan and the CPI(M) in a spot.