CPM Faces Scrutiny Over Iritty College Fund Controversy After 10 Years

Doha, Qatar Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Kannur: At a time when the Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly referred to as CPM, is undertaking a rectification drive aimed at addressing allegations of corruption and organizational lapses, a fresh controversy over a proposed arts and science college has emerged in its stronghold of Kannur.

The controversy centers on funds raised under the party's aegis for setting up an arts and science college in Iritty. Nearly a decade after the fundraising campaign began, the proposed institution is yet to become a reality, while questions remain over the funds collected and the land reportedly identified for the project. This situation has not only raised eyebrows within the party but has also attracted the attention of the public and media.

The initiative was originally conceived as a counter to a prominent educational institution managed by leaders associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the region. The CPM's Iritty Area Committee had taken the initiative in 2015 to register a trust named the North Malabar Educational Society for the project. This was part of a broader strategy by the CPM to strengthen its foothold in the educational sector, especially in areas where rival organizations like the RSS had established a significant presence.

A fundraising campaign was subsequently launched across the region using the party's organizational network to mobilize contributions for the proposed 'Educare Academy'. Contributions were collected in the form of shares ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1 lakh, designed to encourage participation from a broad spectrum of the local populace. The membership scheme had several categories, with Class A shares priced at ₹1 lakh, Class B at ₹50,000, and other categories at ₹25,000, ₹10,000, and ₹1,000. Reports suggest that around 10,000 people were enrolled under the scheme, indicating a substantial level of community involvement and support for the project at its inception.

On March 18, 2017, the party organized a program in Iritty to lay the foundation stone for the proposed college and distribute share certificates to contributors. At the time, it was claimed that an advance payment had been made for a prime plot of land in Iritty town, which was to be the site of the new institution. This event was marked by significant fanfare, with party leaders emphasizing the importance of the college as a means of providing quality education and countering the influence of rival educational institutions.

However, nearly 10 years later, the project remains incomplete, and the enthusiasm surrounding its launch has waned considerably. Questions have been raised within the party over the accounts of the funds collected and the status of the land for which the advance payment was reportedly made. To date, no land registered in the name of the trust has been identified, leading to allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency in handling the funds raised.

The issue was recently raised at the Area Conference, adding to growing demands for clarity on the status of the project and the funds collected from contributors. This has sparked internal debates within the party, with some members expressing frustration over the lack of accountability and the need for a thorough investigation into the matter. The party had earlier constituted a two-member commission to examine complaints related to the project. However, no concrete action has been taken so far, leading to skepticism about the party's commitment to transparency and rectification.

This controversy comes amid a series of financial disputes and allegations that have troubled the CPM in Kannur in recent years. These include the Payyannur fund controversy, which raised concerns about the management of funds collected for various party activities, the collapse of the Halal Fayida interest-free financial institution that had ties to the party, and allegations of financial irregularities surrounding a land deal linked to the construction of a CPM local committee office at Thekki Bazaar in Kannur in memory of late party leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Each of these incidents has contributed to a growing narrative of financial mismanagement and corruption within the party.

The implications of the Iritty college fund controversy are significant not only for the CPM but also for the broader political landscape in Kerala. As the party grapples with internal dissent and external scrutiny, it faces the challenge of restoring public trust. The educational initiative, which was meant to strengthen the party's foothold in the region, now serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of accountability and transparency in political fundraising and project management.

Furthermore, as the CPM continues its rectification drive, this controversy may hinder its efforts to present a united front and effectively address allegations of corruption. The party's leadership will need to navigate these challenges carefully, as the perception of financial impropriety could have lasting effects on its electoral prospects and influence within the state.

In conclusion, the Iritty college fund controversy highlights critical issues of governance, accountability, and the management of public trust in political organizations. As the CPM seeks to rectify its course, the outcomes of this controversy and the party's response to it will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike, shaping the future of the party in Kerala.