E.P. Jayarajan
| Photo Credit: S. GOPAKUMAR

Communist Party of India [CPI(M)] leader E.P. Jayarajan has announced that his autobiography will be released early next month (June), putting an end to the legal dispute with DC Books.

He confirmed having spoken to the publisher Mathrubhumi verbally and said that “having acknowledged the mistake, I see no merit in pursuing further legal action.”

Addressing the media in Kannur on Tuesday, Mr. Jayarajan said “I am not a politician seeking revenge. I don’t wish to waste time on this.”

He, however, hinted at revealing more about the controversy surrounding the autobiography in its upcoming edition, saying “We know who is behind it. Whether there are people from within the party, we will see in the next part.”

Defending district party president K.K. Ragesh’s presence at the inaugural event of the Muzhappilangad-Dharmadam Samagra Beach Tourism Project, Mr. Jayarajan said it is “customary for party representatives to attend events attended by the Chief Minister and Union Ministers.”

“This has been the tradition, irrespective of which part is in power. It was the same during the tenure of K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony. When BJP ministers visit, their representatives too are present,” he said, adding that “attempts by the Congress and the BJP to create a controversy were unfounded.”

He accused the Prime Minister’s Office of “not maintaining protocol” during the Vizhinjam port inauguration. “It was indecent to invite only the party’s State president. Even the Congress, which has more MPs from Kerala, was not invited,” he said.

Asked about K. Sudhakaran’s KPCC presidency, Mr. Jayarajan said “more internal splits were likely in the Congress.”

“The party is polarised into two factions and is opposing the Left in every domain,” he said.

He also offered praised for rapper Vedan, saying the latter is a “talented artiste with a growing youth following.”

“He is willing to correct his past drug use. There’s no issue in him participating in a government programme in Idukki,” he added.