CPM leadership flounders as delegates launch heavy attack in Kollam district conference

Kollam: Much to the discomfiture of CPM, the simmering discontentment cropped up during the branch, local and area conferences have been continuing as the party entered into the district conference mode. During the general discussion at the CPM Kollam district conference, several leaders, including state secretary MV Govindan, faced criticism. The unsparing, unprecedented criticism from the part of the delegates have already put the CPM leadership on the backfoot.

MV Govindan became the state secretary while still serving as an MLA. Similarly, V Joy became the district secretary of Thiruvananthapuram while holding the MLA post. However, grassroots-level comrades who work as panchayat presidents or cooperative bank presidents cannot become local committee secretaries. A representative from Punalur pointed out this double standard.

A representative also remarked that while the state secretary advises workers to behave well with the public, everyone saw how he behaved with a microphone operator. Another pointed out that EP Jayarajan's actions are not in line with communist principles. Meeting Prakash Javadekar on the day of the Lok Sabha by-election was a major setback. The representatives questioned how those who found no fault in that meeting could criticise an area secretary for joining the BJP.

Mukesh candidature flayed

Some of the delegates pointed out that the remarks made by AK Balan were untimely and affected the chances of the party in the Palakkad byelection. Representatives criticised the party's decision to field M Mukesh as a candidate in the Lok Sabha elections while the Hema Committee report was still pending, calling it a major blunder and an embarrassment for the party. A representative from Kadakkal criticised the delay in appointing a new All-India Secretary after Sitaram Yechury's demise, terming it a disgrace.

There was also criticism of recent decisions and strategies related to the INDIA alliance, deeming them flawed. Representatives highlighted the party's failure at the national level to plan and undertake struggles effectively. The second Pinarayi government was criticised for completely neglecting the coir and cashew industries. A representative from Paravur pointed out these issues.

Lastly, even the inaugural speech by MA Baby faced criticism, with representatives stating it lacked comprehensiveness and authority.