Thiruvananthapuram: CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury did not rule out the possibility of a change in Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's position following the party’s setback in the Lok Sabha elections. Yechury mentioned that answers to the criticisms and questions regarding this issue would be addressed during the Central Committee meeting, scheduled to be held from June 28 to 30, which has led to speculation within the party.

He was responding to a media query during a press conference in Kolkata. 

The statement issued by the CPM politburo post election debacle in Kerala held that the party's performance in the State was deeply disappointing. Yechury’s remarks came in the midst of the CPM State committee meetings in Kerala.

Here is the question and answer

Journalist: The politburo has issued a statement expressing concern over the CPM not achieving good results in Kerala. For the past eight years, the CPM has been leading the government in Kerala. Still it got only one seat in the general elections. After the results were out, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is facing severe opposition within the party and discussions are on to change him as well. Have you evaluated the election results in Kerala? Can you clarify these points?

Yechury: Yes. Expectations about Kerala were very high. However, it did not happen. Introspection is essential as to why the expected results could not be achieved. That's what the politburo mentioned in the statement. There are many reasons for failure. What you (journalist) have raised – CPM being in power for eight years -- is only one of the reasons. There are many things, there are many questions. Clarification in this regard can be given only after the central committee meeting to be held from June 28 to 30.