Madurai: The CPM central leadership sees a third consecutive term in Kerala as crucial for the party’s national growth. PB coordinator Prakash Karat stressed the need for continued governance while presenting the political review report and the draft political resolution at 24th CPM Party congress.

The focus on a continued term shows strong central support for Pinarayi Vijayan’s leadership. It also suggests he may get another exemption to remain in the Politburo.

Meanwhile, discussions will intensify on the party’s approach towards the Congress and its stagnation in growth. The two reports presented on Wednesday highlight these concerns. The documents encourage open dialogue, as seen in the group discussions that followed.

The draft resolution acknowledges the Congress’s role in a broad secular alliance against the BJP but stresses the need to recognise its class interests. It notes that the Congress has not changed its economic policies.

The Congress leadership has opposed the Hindutva agenda but still takes a compromising approach. The party continues to represent the same class interests as the BJP. The resolution states that a political alliance with the Congress is unnecessary and that engagement should only be for a broad secular front.

The political review report also warns that the Congress may make compromises on Hindutva-related issues.

The draft political review report notes that signs of stagnation have been visible since the 17th Party Congress in 2002, but the situation has now worsened into decline. It warns that this could lead to criticism in discussions and adds that such a decline has become a general trend.