A fresh political debate has been triggered after expelled Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader T.K. Govindan, who won the Assembly election with United Democratic Front (UDF) support from Taliparamba, visited the residence of the late CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and met his wife, Vinodini Kodiyeri, and son, Bineesh Kodiyeri.

Ms. Vinodini dismissed criticism surrounding the visit, asserting that Mr. Govindan was “not a traitor” and maintained that internal party matters should be left to the party leadership.

She said Mr. Govindan shared a close personal bond with her late husband and remained welcome at their home. “Govindan is not stranger to us. We treat visitors with respect. Decisions regarding the party should be taken by party leaders,” she said.

Ms. Vinodini said opinions on whether the party would have faced the present situation if Kodiyeri was alive were for the party and its members to decide. Emphasising the personal nature of the visit, she said she and her children reserved the right to receive anyone who visited their home. “Whether the party has accepted or rejected T.K. Govindan is not my concern. I have not rejected him. If he comes to see us, I cannot ask him not to come,” she said.

Responding to the controversy, Bineesh Kodiyeri said there was no political angle to the visit. “I stand by the party’s position. T.K. Govindan is someone who has supported me personally. Whether I agree with his political stance is not a matter for discussion,” he said.

The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Kannur following Mr. Govindan’s victory over CPI(M) candidate in Taliparamba, adding a personal dimension to an already sensitive political environment.