CPM faces wave of exits in Kerala ahead of Assembly polls

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM is facing growing internal challenges in Kerala as several leaders and party workers have recently left the organisation. The developments come at a time when the state is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections, raising concerns within the party about organisational stability.

Observers say the departures point to dissatisfaction among some leaders who feel that the party leadership has not intervened quickly enough to address internal disputes and grievances.

Leaders leaving the party

Among the most notable recent developments is the exit of senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran. His departure has added to concerns within the party about the growing number of leaders stepping away from the organisation.

Former MLA Aisha Potty also left the CPM and joined the Congress in Kottarakkara. According to reports, one of the reasons cited for her decision was dissatisfaction with the party leadership after she was reportedly excluded from inauguration ceremonies of projects she had initiated during her tenure.

Another former MLA, S. Rajendran from Idukki, left the CPM and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Local political issues and alleged neglect by the party leadership were cited as factors behind his decision.

Local disputes and organisational tensions

Several other leaders have also distanced themselves from the party following internal disagreements.

In Kannur, P.V. Kunhikrishnan reportedly left the CPM after disputes related to allegations of irregularities connected to the party’s martyr fund.

In Palakkad, the exit of P.K. Sasi followed a dispute with the party leadership, reflecting tensions between local leaders and the organisation’s state leadership.

Another development involved A. Suresh, a leader associated with the late CPM veteran V.S. Achuthanandan. His expulsion from the party reportedly accelerated after the leadership rejected his appeal against disciplinary action.

Shifts to rival parties

Some former CPM leaders have also joined rival political parties after leaving the organisation.

Regi Lukose, who was previously known for defending the CPM and the state government in television debates, has joined the BJP as a spokesperson. Another former party supporter, B.N. Haskar, has moved to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP).

In Thiruvananthapuram, former CPM area secretary Madhu Mullassery joined the BJP following disagreements with the party leadership. Meanwhile, Suja Chandrababu, who served as president of the Anchal Grama Panchayat in Kollam, moved from the CPM to the Indian Union Muslim League.

The series of departures has triggered criticism from some political observers and former members who say the party leadership has been slow to respond to internal disputes.

With the Assembly elections approaching, the CPM leadership is likely to focus on organisational consolidation and addressing grievances within the party to prevent further exits. The developments also highlight the competitive political environment in Kerala, where shifts by influential local leaders can influence electoral dynamics.