Factionalism returns to haunt CPM in Kerala? Sudhakaran, Sasi and others raise the heat
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) is facing a serious organisational crisis at a time when it is preparing for another crucial election with hopes of securing a third consecutive term in power in Kerala. The CPM central committee itself has earlier assessed that organisational lapses at the grassroots level were responsible for setbacks in local body elections. Now, the party appears to be struggling with internal challenges not seen in recent years.
Senior leaders and party members across several districts, including Alappuzha, Palakkad, Idukki, Kollam and Kannur, have openly challenged the party leadership. From one of the party’s most senior leaders, G Sudhakaran, to even branch committee members, leaders have come forward publicly raising allegations of fund misappropriation, corruption and neglect within the organisation. The situation is seen as a major blow to the CPM’s reputation for disciplined organisational functioning.
While internal disputes during candidate selection were once more commonly associated with the Congress, the CPM had long been known for its structured organisational processes that functioned like a well-oiled machine. However, even as the party leadership claims that factionalism was eliminated during the Pinarayi Vijayan era, recent developments suggest otherwise. Ironically, the factionalism that CPM once claimed to have eradicated is now being cited as a major reason behind the current crisis.
Several leaders have already left the party while openly challenging its leadership. These include G. Sudhakaran in Alappuzha, P. K. Sasi in Palakkad, Aisha Potty in Kollam, V. Kunjikrishnan in Kannur and S. Rajendran in Idukki. In some places, even party cadres have begun questioning leadership decisions during candidate selection, including in constituencies linked to top leaders.
Factionalism in Alappuzha
Factional struggles and internal power tussles in the CPM unit in Alappuzha have long been a source of concern for the party. The latest flashpoint in the district is the rebellion led by veteran leader G. Sudhakaran.
Sudhakaran was once a strong supporter of the late Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, but later shifted to the Pinarayi Vijayan camp during the intense VS-Pinarayi factional struggle within the party. The shift occurred after Sudhakaran lost the Kayamkulam seat in the 2001 Assembly election. As internal equations within the party changed and the VS faction weakened, Sudhakaran emerged as a powerful leader in Alappuzha. A leader who was once considered close to VS later became one of the most influential figures supporting Pinarayi Vijayan in the district.
In 2002, during the height of factional conflicts, Sudhakaran was demoted from the state committee to the district committee on allegations that he tried to capture the party organisation. However, he later returned to the state committee through a state conference. Over time, factions led by G. Sudhakaran and TM Thomas Isaac emerged in the district, though Sudhakaran retained the upper hand for long periods.
Many of the prominent leaders in Alappuzha today grew politically under Sudhakaran’s leadership. Ironically, some of them are now aligned with the opposing camp.
Sudhakaran first entered the Assembly from Kayamkulam in 1996 and later represented Ambalappuzha from 2006 to 2021. He served as Minister for Co-operation and Devaswom in the VS Achuthanandan government (2006–2011) and as Minister for Public Works and Registration in the Pinarayi Vijayan government (2016–2021). His administrative work and reputation as a corruption-free minister made him a popular leader among the public.
However, Sudhakaran was denied a ticket to contest again from Ambalappuzha in the 2021 Assembly election. Instead, H Salam was fielded as the CPM candidate and went on to defeat Congress candidate M Liju.
Salam reportedly alleged within the party that Sudhakaran did not extend proper support during the election campaign and had even attempted to defeat him. A two-member party committee was appointed to investigate the issue and reportedly found lapses on Sudhakaran’s part.
Sudhakaran has repeatedly complained that he was sidelined even during the inauguration of projects initiated during his ministerial tenure. He was also excluded from several party programmes, including the Ambalappuzha area conference, which led to further tensions. These repeated instances of neglect are said to have deepened his resentment.
After KR Gowri Amma and M. V. Raghavan, Sudhakaran is considered one of the most prominent leaders to leave the CPM. His criticisms raise questions that the party leadership may find difficult to ignore. During the press conference on Thursday, he spent much of his time explaining his political background and legacy. Sudhakaran has said that he will continue to uphold communist ideology but will remain independent without joining any other political party.
PK Sasi and dissatisfaction in Palakkad
In Palakkad, former CPM MLA PK Sasi has emerged as another leader openly challenging the party. He has been bringing together those who had earlier been sidelined or distanced from the party organisation.
During the intense VS-Pinarayi factional struggle, Sasi was considered a strong leader of the Pinarayi faction. Leaders in areas like Pudussery, Kongad, Alathur and Cherpulassery, which were once strongholds of the VS faction, experienced the strength of Sasi’s influence during that period.
Later, allegations made by a DYFI woman leader against Sasi created a new internal crisis within the party. Though disciplinary action was taken, the party inquiry’s characterisation of the issue as a case of “less severe harassment” became widely debated in Kerala politics.
Although disciplinary action pushed Sasi down to the branch level, he continued to enjoy support from influential sections within the party, which was evident from his continued tenure as KTDC chairman. Even after facing action, he remained part of the state leadership of the party’s labour organisation. However, when it became clear that a full political comeback in the party was unlikely, Sasi eventually decided to end his decades-long association with the CPM.
Leaders switching sides
Former Idukki MLA S Rajendran, a plantation workers’ leader who had been elected three times with CPM support, has joined the BJP after differences with the CPM district leadership. The move is seen as significant because the CPM often claims to be leading the fight against the BJP in Kerala.
Meanwhile, Aisha Potty, who once defeated veteran leader R. Balakrishna Pillai in Kottarakkara and made the constituency a Left stronghold, has joined the Congress.
V. Kunjikrishnan’s allegations in Kannur
In Kannur, CPM district committee member V. Kunjikrishnan left the party after making serious allegations of financial irregularities. He accused leaders, including Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan, of misappropriating nearly Rs 1 crore from party funds such as the Dhanaraj martyr fund, the Payyannur area committee office construction fund, and the 2021 election fund.
Kunjikrishnan, now 74, has been associated with the CPM for more than 50 years. He joined the party at the age of 24 and served as branch secretary and Payyannur area secretary before becoming a district committee member.
He was removed from the post of area secretary during disciplinary action related to factional disputes in Payyannur. After staying away from active politics for a period, he later returned to the party under pressure and became an invitee to the district committee before eventually being made a full member again. As disputes remained unresolved, he publicly raised the allegations during the election period, putting the party leadership in a difficult position.
Controversy over PK Shyamala’s candidacy
Another challenge facing the CPM is opposition within party ranks to the proposal to field PK Shyamala, a leader of the All India Democratic Women’s Association and wife of state secretary MV Govindan, as a candidate. Critics within the party have raised concerns about alleged dynastic politics.
Opposition has reportedly emerged even during area committee meetings. The CPM leadership is said to be taking the issue seriously, as retaining the constituency is seen as a top priority. Senior leaders P Jayarajan and MV Jayarajan have been assigned responsibility for managing the constituency.