K.T. Jaleel, former Kerala Minister for Local Administration and Higher Education, has formally joined the CPI(M) along with his wife Fathimakutty, who retired from teaching last week.

After his defeat in Thavanur in the recent Assembly elections, Dr. Jaleel had faced cyberattacks, especially from IUML supporters. He said he would remain “grateful” to the CPI(M) for making him MLA for four terms and a Minister for five years “without begging anyone or seeking recommendations.”

‘To avoid a repeat of Bengal’

He warned against weakening the Left front, saying it would hurt weaker sections and minorities. Citing West Bengal, he said the Trinamool Congress emerged after the decline of the Communist party and said its “lifespan” was only 15 years. “The BJP now governs Bengal. We need the Left in Kerala to avoid a repeat of Bengal,” he said.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Jaleel said most Communist leaders maintain higher standards of public conduct compared to other parties, though he acknowledged exceptions. He said the CPI(M) isolates those found corrupt and claimed it has fewer opportunists and fraudsters, and a strong record of personal integrity and secularism.

He alleged that some people were spreading communal hatred within Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities by discouraging believers from joining the Communist party. He said his and his wife’s decision to join the CPI(M) was “an act of resistance” against such forces, which he described as “part of a global effort” to weaken Communist parties.

Dr. Jaleel said people can be both believers and communists, and pointed to countries such as Iran, China, Russia and North Korea as standing together against global capitalism. “Similar platforms should emerge in India,” he said.

Dr. Jaleel said their entry into the party was also a rejection of those who “misuse” religion and religious symbols to cheat people, amass wealth, hold power, live in luxury and spread hatred.

He added that while many join parties in good times, he chose to stand with the CPI(M) during difficult times.

According to him, “every humanist has a duty to join the party.”