Uniform Civil Code: CPI to attend CPM seminar to downplay boycott effect

Kozhikode: None of the senior CPI leaders will attend the seminar against Uniform Civil Code organized by CPM. However, CPI state council member and MLA EK Vijayan will attend as a representative of the party in the event held on Saturday in Kozhikode. Pannyan Raveendran was first chosen as the party’s representative to the seminar. However, he turned down due to prior commitments. 

Earlier, CPI voiced its displeasure over CPM’s move to reduce the UCC protest to the former's party program. According to CPI, it should have been hosted as the program of Left Front. There is also contention over the invitation extended to the Muslim League. Similarly, Binoy Viswam’s recent statement that a change in personal laws is required, garnered attention. 

In the wake of the developments, CPM intimated to CPI state leadership that this would create an impression that the event is being boycotted by the latter and it might turn counterproductive. In light of this, it was agreed to cast Vijayan as the party’s representative at the seminar. 

It is reported that there is no discussion about top-brass leaders staying away from the seminar.

Meanwhile, CPM and CPI have decided to hold a meeting on July 22.  LDF is determined to ensure the unity of constituent parties up to the national level. During a discussion between leaders of the CPI-CPM, Kanam Rajendran raised the issue that the communist party as a front is not improving its performance.