Kerala: CPM leader John Brittas violates MCC by addressing varsity employees within campus; EC seeks an explanation

CPM leader John Brittas MP, Rajya Sabha, found himself embroiled in controversy after violating the Model Code of Conduct set by the Election Commission of India. Despite explicit warnings from Vice Chancellor Dr Mohan Kunnummel, Brittas addressed university employees at the Kerala Varsity campus on April 17, flouting election guidelines ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Dr. Kunnummel’s communication highlighted the majority of varsity employees’ involvement in election duties, prompting the prohibition of Brittas’ speech. However, reports indicate that Brittas disregarded the Vice Chancellor’s directive and proceeded with his address. The lecture, organised by the University Employees’ Union, a pro-Left employees’ organisation, was part of their monthly lecture series themed “Indian Democracy: Challenges and Duties”.

In response to the violation, the Vice Chancellor instructed the University Registrar to intervene and halt the organisation’s plans to host Brittas. The presence of an outsider delivering a speech on campus during the Model Code of Conduct was deemed inappropriate. Nevertheless, Brittas pressed on, entering the campus and delivering his lecture as scheduled, reportedly during the lunch break.

With Dr. Kunnummel away, his private secretary conveyed the directive to the registrar to prohibit Brittas’ address. However, pro-opposition employees’ union workers brought the violation to the Vice Chancellor’s attention, marking the first instance of a political leader addressing a gathering on campus during an election period.

The Election Commission has initiated an inquiry, seeking an explanation from the Registrar following complaints from the BJP and pro-opposition university employees’ union. The university administration also reported the incident to the Election Commission for further action.

Brittas’ political journey traces back to his days as an SFI worker during his student years. He later became the Delhi reporter for Deshabhimani Malayalam daily, the official mouthpiece of CPM, before assuming the role of Managing Director at Kairali TV, a Malayalam channel affiliated with the CPM. Brittas, known for his close association with CPM supremo Pinarayi Vijayan, took on the responsibility of media management under Vijayan’s chief ministership in 2016. He subsequently entered the Rajya Sabha in 2021.