Strengthening party base is more important than generation shift: Kodiyeri

Kochi: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that he never wanted to be the party secretary, but he must fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him by the party. His remark came during an exclusive interview given to Mathrubhumi News. 

"In the present situation, the journey for the party is going to get more difficult. The party always faces challenges in its functioning. Regaining power will be a milestone in the party's history. Sometimes there can be failures. But we do not grieve when we fail," he said.

Kodiyeri also rubbished the rumours claiming CPM is looking to bring Muslim League into LDF. 

"The CPM will focus on increasing the party's local base. The party's influence in the Dalit community needs to be increased. The party must increase its influence among the poor and workers," he added.

Kodiyeri also dismissed the idea for the state leadership to consider a generation change in the party leadership. He added that bringing more people to the top brass is more important than generation change. Eight new people were inducted into the State Secretariat. It is for the first time, the party witnessed such a change, he said. 

He also dismissed the idea of an alliance with Congress to defeat BJP. Kodiyeri pointed out that Congress is not an alternative force to BJP anymore.