Synopsis
The CPI-M in Kerala has managed to quell the first signs of discontent within its ranks after addressing concerns raised by leader A. Padmakumar about the party's selection process for the new state committee and secretariat. This incident reflects the party's efforts in maintaining internal harmony.Key Takeaways
- CPI-M in Kerala tackles dissent effectively.
- A. Padmakumar's criticisms spark controversy.
- State committee sees significant loyalty to Pinarayi Vijayan.
- Media speculation regarding party discontent addressed.
- Padmakumar's resignation and softening stance highlight party dynamics.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 11 (NationPress) The CPI-M in Kerala seems to have effectively extinguished the initial signs of discontent within its ranks after their damage control measures successfully addressed the concerns of senior leader A. Padmakumar, who had vocally criticized the party's selection procedure for the freshly established state committee and secretariat.
The 89-member state committee, which includes 17 newcomers, and the 17-member state secretariat are predominantly filled with loyalists of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, leaving out those who have fallen out of favor.
Padmakumar, a former legislator and past president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the appointment of State Health Minister Veena George as an invitee to the state committee. He questioned how George, who has been a party member for only nine years, could secure a position while he, with five decades of party experience, was overlooked.
Although he initially removed his social media post criticizing the decision, Padmakumar reaffirmed his grievances on Monday and declared his resignation from all party roles.
However, by Tuesday, his stance had mellowed. "I should have managed my emotions better, but I did not. I will participate in the Pathanamthitta district committee meeting on Wednesday and accept any repercussions the party decides to impose on me," he stated.
Meanwhile, senior CPI-M legislator and former state Minister Kadakampally Surendran dismissed rumors of his dissatisfaction over not being included in the state secretariat.
“A section of the media appears more interested in my position than I am. I have held various party roles for years and have consistently followed party discipline. I have never campaigned for positions. What Padmakumar did was inappropriate. To be clear -- I am not frustrated about my exclusion. Please refrain from spreading misinformation,” Surendran informed reporters.
Padmakumar’s fleeting rebellion and exit had briefly unsettled the otherwise orderly CPI-M, especially Vijayan, but the party now seems to have regained its footing.
