CPI-M Party Congress Sparks Speculation on New General Secretary
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Synopsis
As the 24th Party Congress of CPI-M approaches, speculation about the new General Secretary position intensifies, with discussions around potential candidates and the implications for the party's future leadership.
Key Takeaways
- 24th Party Congress set to begin in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- Speculation grows over the selection of a new General Secretary.
- Current list of speakers includes members likely retiring from the Politburo.
- Three main contenders for General Secretary position identified.
- Political dynamics within the party influencing candidate popularity.
Kolkata, April 1 (NationPress) As the 24th Party Congress of the CPI-M is set to commence in the sacred town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, new rumors have emerged regarding the party's next General Secretary - a position that has remained unfilled since the passing of the former leader, Sitaram Yechury, last year.
Recent announcements concerning the lineup of speakers for the “open session” on the final day of the Party Congress, scheduled for April 6, have fueled these speculations.
Typically, the name of the incoming or continuing General Secretary is featured among the speakers for this session.
However, the current list includes four Politburo members who have surpassed the age of 75 and are expected to retire from their roles.
These members are former General Secretary Prakash Karat, his spouse Brinda Karat, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and G. Ramakrishnan. The fifth scheduled speaker, coordinated by the party’s Tamil Nadu secretary, P. Shanmugam, is notable trade union leader U. Vasaki, who is not yet a Politburo member.
Consequently, there is speculation regarding the identity of the new General Secretary, with both Vijayan and Vasaki unlikely to be in consideration.
A Central Committee member from West Bengal remarked that it remains possible for someone not yet listed as a speaker to be elected as General Secretary, with their name potentially added to the speaker list at the last minute.
“In previous instances, the identity of the new General Secretary was generally understood prior to the start of the Congress. However, this time, the situation appears different, with numerous names under discussion,” he noted.
Currently, three candidates are in the spotlight for the top position: the senior-most Central Committee member M.A. Baby from Kerala, Ashok Dhawale, President of the All India Kisan Sabha and a leader from Maharashtra, and veteran Mohammed Salim from West Bengal.
Among these contenders, Salim has expressed his intention to remain in his home state to aid in the party's revival, while the other two are reportedly not favored by Vijayan, the party's sole Chief Minister.
