CPM removes PP Divya as Kannur district panchayat president amid probe

The CPI(M) has officially removed PP Divya from her role as Kannur district panchayat president. A statement released by the CPI(M) Kannur District Secretariat clarified that the decision was made in light of an ongoing police investigation into comments made by Divya following the sudden death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu.
According to the party’s statement, Divya’s criticism of corruption at a farewell meeting for the late ADM was deemed well-intentioned. However, the party acknowledged that some of her remarks should have been avoided, leading to calls for a thorough investigation by the government.
“Although Divya’s criticism was in good faith, certain parts of her statement should not have been made. The police are now investigating the case, and the district secretariat felt that Divya should be exempted from her duties,” the CPI(M) statement read. The party also noted that Divya accepted the decision, and KK Ratnakumari is being considered to replace her as district panchayat president.
In her resignation statement, PP Divya expressed her willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, asserting her intent to prove her innocence through legal channels. She reiterated her agreement with the party’s stance, acknowledging that certain remarks should have been omitted, while maintaining her criticism of corruption. “Convinced that it is appropriate to step down from the post of District Panchayat President, I resign from that position,” Divya concluded.