The differences in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-backed Kerala Secretariat Employees Association (KSEA) have come to the fore with the organisation’s general secretary K.N. Ashok Kumar being reportedly removed from the post.

When the issue came up in the KSEA general council meeting on Saturday, Mr. Ashok Kumar and three other committee members had reportedly walked out in protest.

According to P. Honey, president, KSEA, Mr. Ashok Kumar has not been attending official events in the past few months. The executive committee that met a week ago had decided to remove him from the general secretary’s post. It was reported in the general council meeting on Saturday, which led to the protest by the four members.

According to Mr. Honey, all four have been removed from the executive committee and the general council.

Mr. Ashok Kumar was not available for comment.