Alappuzha: Factionalism continues to create a rift between various CPM party workers in Kuttanad and Alappuzha. CPM hardliners in the district feel that the communist party had never seen such umbrage among members in Kuttanad, even during times when the party was torn apart by VS Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan factions in the past.  

However, the current crisis in Kuttanad is largely attributed to the party leadership in local committees taking a polar stand against party members. 

A party worker in Kuttanad claimed that party leaders do not even have a moment to listen to their complaints. Those who took leadership following the last party conference turned a blind eye to those who opposed them. These members were not even allowed to attend party offices in some areas. The situation spiralled out of control and led to a mass exodus of party workers, estimated to be around 300, in Kuttanad. 

In the last party conferences in the district, changes transpired in eight local committees, excluding Neelamperoor and Monkombu. Several key panel members were ousted from power, leading to differences between those supporting and opposing them in local committees. Unlike in the past, new panels in local committees refused to coordinate with the opposing panels. 

It was also alleged that the Alappuzha district committee had taken measures to deal with factionalism only after state leadership intervened. 

Recently, a violent street fight occurred on February 12 among CPM cadres in Kuttanadu, forcing the party to take defensive measures to counter rising factionalism in the local committees. CPM alleged that the drug mafia was behind the attacks. However, reports indicate it was a pre-planned attack aimed at the ruling panel in the area.