Despite reassurances by its leader, Pravind Jugnauth, the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) is undoubtedly undergoing a major crisis. After its massive defeat in the general elections in July, one would have expected that the party would take some time for reflection and restructuring. Instead, the party members have been giving each other a hard time. After Vijaya Sumputh, it is now Anil Gayan?s turn to be expelled by the party leader, Pravind Jugnauth, on grounds of discipline.

It was no secret that Anil Gayan was dead against Vijaya Sumputh?s expulsion from the party. He abstained when the political bureau voted for her dismissal but the party considers he has made a major mistake by making his opinion public. This was considered as a betrayal.

?I find it astonishing that he is more faithful to Vijaya Sumputh than to the MSM,? said Pravind Jugnauth after stating his decision to oust Anil Gayan. Members of the political bureau voted for his expulsion as he is considered not to have kept his commitments to the party line ? ?discipline, solidarity and responsibility?.

Judge and party

The leader is also angry about the fact that Vijaya Sumputh organised a press conference just after she was expelled in Anil Gayan?s office. But the latter, as well as Vijaya Sumputh, denied this as they maintain the meeting was held in a conference room used by a lot of lawyers.

But the former minister of Tourism keeps to his stand as far as his colleague?s expulsion is concerned. ?She was condemned without any evidence being put forward.? He finds it unfair that Pravind Jugnauth was the one to decide on the ?sentence? as he was ?judge and party?. Like Vijaya Sumputh, he criticised Pravind Jugnauth?s leadership. ?There seems to be only one way of thinking within the party now.? ?Pravind Jugnauth made the party lose its weight. All this is about leadership.? But he refused to state his projects as far as his political career is concerned. He just wants to make sure his son finishes his studies abroad.

As for the MSM, the leader asserts there is no cause for worry. On the contrary, ?now that the Sumputh-Gayan soap opera is behind us?, the MSM can start looking at its future serenely.