Absence of Yechury: CPM unlikely to choose new gen secy soon, may appoint coordinator

New Delhi: In the absence of Sitaram Yechury, who passed away while holding the post of CPM general secretary, a person from the politburo may be entrusted with the coordination of the day-to-day affairs till the party congress. 

The person will act as a coordinator or convener. There are only seven months left for the next party congress. Therefore, it is agreed that a new general secretary should not be chosen for the time being. There will be more clarity in this regard in the party politburo and central committee meetings to be held from September 27 to 30.

Despite the age limit of 75 years set during the last conference, names like senior politburo leader Brinda Karat are being considered for the position of the new general secretary. The fact that she is a nationally acceptable face of the CPM after Sitaram Yechury is favourable for Brinda.

Besides Brinda, Manik Sarkar, B V Raghavulu, M A Baby, Muhammad Salim, who is also the state secretary of West Bengal, CITU general secretary Tapan Sen are also being discussed. The stance taken by the party's Kerala unit will also be crucial. 

Whether senior politburo member Prakash Karat will be made the coordinator also depends on the position of the Kerala unit. The party has to prepare a draft political resolution, organisational report etc. for the party congress immediately. This is also the main agenda of the leadership meetings held by the end of the month.