Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 (IANS): The CPI-M has barred one of its legislators from travelling to the US next month to attend the International Visitor's Leadership Programme organised by the State Department - as it is funded by the US government.
The programme is being held in a few locations in the US Aug 4-24.
"Rajesh was told by his party that it does not augur well if he goes because the entire trip is being funded by the US government... So he decided not to go," said two-time CPI-M supported independent MLA K.T. Jaleel who along with party legislator T.V. Rajesh was selected by the assembly speaker for the trip.
Even though none in the CPI-M told me not to go, I felt, since I am indirectly associated with them, I will also not go," added Jaleel.
The assembly Speaker G. Karthikeyan had selected nine legislators for the trip after getting a letter from the State Department.
Apart from T.V. Rajesh, K.T Jaleel, E.S.Bijimol (all from the Left-led opposition) he selected P.C. Vishnunath, Shafi Parambil, Anwar Saddat, I.C. Balakrishnan, N. Shamsudeen and Mons Joseph, all from the Congress-led ruling front.
However, CPI has allowed its MLA E.S. Bijimol to go on the trip.
With Rajesh and Jaleel backing out, K.M. Shaji and V.T. Balram, both from the ruling front, got the opportunity to travel to the US.