Kerala poll verdict: CPM review meeting runs beyond 10 hrs, sees sharp attacks on Vijayan, Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram: A section of CPM leaders reportedly raised sharp criticism during the party state secretariat meeting convened on Friday to review the election outcome in Kerala, with several members saying silence was no longer an option and that the party must now “speak, listen and correct”.

Some leaders suggested that even the minds of party members were not favourable towards the LDF. They also reportedly observed that the organisational structure had changed into one where internal matters could no longer be spoken about openly, and said this was the first issue that needed correction.

According to the discussion, leaders stressed that everyone should be heard with an open mind and members must feel there is space to express themselves. Otherwise, they said, any attempt at correction would not become a genuine correction.

The meeting, initially scheduled to conclude before 4 pm, continued for 13 hours after leaders reportedly objected to ending it in haste. Their demand that everyone should be allowed to speak without a time limit was accepted.

Criticism against Pinarayi Vijayan and MV Govindan

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary MV Govindan reportedly faced criticism in an unusual manner during the meeting.

Leaders are learnt to have said that intolerant behaviour must end. In criticism directed at MV Govindan, there were also indications that a remark was made suggesting it may even be appropriate for him to step aside from the party secretary post.

Pinarayi Vijayan, who usually maintains a stricter approach in such meetings, reportedly stayed until 9 pm during the session, which continued until 11 pm.

Apart from giving some personal replies to criticisms raised against the government, the Chief Minister reportedly did not offer any detailed explanation during the meeting.

Candidate selection and constituency shift discussed

There was also discussion on issues related to candidate selection. Reports said KK Shailaja expressed unease over being shifted to contest from another constituency.

The practice of directly criticising the Chief Minister in the state secretariat meeting had reportedly not been seen for some time. Mild criticism had earlier emerged when an understanding was reached with the Governor on the university issue without the party’s knowledge.

At that time, the Chief Minister reportedly reacted angrily towards the secretariat member who raised the criticism.