After PM SHRI disagreement, CPI halts CPM’s attempt to extend Devaswom Board tenure

Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling CPM’s key coalition partner in the LDF, the CPI, has once again challenged the CPM’s decision-making, this time over the Travancore Devaswom Board’s tenure. The move comes soon after CPI’s intervention had earlier forced the CPM to have second thoughts on PM SHRI agreement with the Union government.

Intervention amid Sabarimala controversy

The CPI intervened to block the CPM’s proposal to extend the tenure of the Travancore Devaswom Board, citing the ongoing Sabarimala controversies. Following pressure from the CPI, the state government withdrew the plan, opening the door for a compromise aimed at maintaining community and caste representation in the board.

Compromise on community representation

Former Chief Secretary K Jayakumar has been finalised as the new Devaswom Board president. To ensure representation for backward communities, the CPI agreed to replace its earlier nominee. The appointment orders for the new president and board members are expected shortly.

Initially, the CPI had nominated Vilappil Radhakrishnan, who belongs to the Nair community, to the board. Since Jayakumar—also from the Nair community—was chosen by the CPM, both top positions would have been held by members of the same community. To maintain balance, the CPI agreed to change its nominee following a request from the CPM. CPI leaders confirmed that the new representative would be announced soon.

Disagreement over tenure extension

Earlier, the CPM had proposed extending the tenure of the existing board by a year. However, the CPI strongly opposed the idea, warning that it could lead to legal complications. CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam reportedly conveyed during discussions with CPM leaders that appointing a new president and member was a better and legally safer option.

Search for acceptable leadership

During internal CPM discussions for Devaswom president post, the names of A Sampath and TK Devakumar were considered to ensure Ezhava representation and retain party influence. However, amid the sensitivity surrounding the Sabarimala issue, the party opted for a non-political face.

When concerns over community representation resurfaced, the CPI made a compromise, which political observers believe helped the government avoid a fresh controversy and protect its public image.