75-year age limit: Pinarayi may have to step down if exemption is not given

The CPM is unlikely to offer any relaxation in the age limit criteria during the forthcoming Party Congress. The constitutional amendment passed in the previous Party Congress mandates that those above the age of 75 must step down from party positions. This ruling will affect prominent leaders, including current Politburo Coordinator Prakash Karat, senior Politburo members Pinarayi Vijayan, Brinda Karat, Manik Sarkar, and Subhashini Ali, who will all be required to vacate their posts.

However, considering the position of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, it is possible that he may receive concession, similar to the one granted during the last Party Congress. The final decision on this matter will rest with him. Other senior leaders may be retained as invitees in the Central Committee, taking into account their political experience and contributions.

The draft political resolution for the Party Congress is currently under discussion at a meeting of the Central Committee in Kolkata, which will conclude on Sunday. Among the attendees is Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who, alongside other representatives from the state, will participate in the discussions.