CPI-M expels MP who praised Narendra Modi

Kannur (Kerala): A P Abdulla Kutty, a Kerala MP who was suspended from the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) after praising Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, was on Saturday sacked from the party.

Kannur district party secretary P Sasi said in a statement that Kutty had been dismissed because he continued to violate party discipline even during his suspension period.

Kutty, 41, a Lok Sabha member from Kannur for two terms, expressed disappointment over the party decision.

"The party was like a father to me. A few leaders in the party are responsible for what has happened to me. I did not get any consideration from the party despite being a member from a minority community," he told reporters.

Kutty was suspended on January 17 because he hailed Modi's development initiatives in an interview to a leading Malayalam TV channel. Kutty later clarified that he did not approve of Modi's "communal politics".

Addressing reporters here on Friday, he again lashed out at the CPI-M, saying the Congress was always considerate to young MPs, but not his party.

A devout Muslim, Kutty is known to be a strong supporter of Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan.

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