Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 19 (NationPress) As the Kerala Assembly elections draw near, the CPI(M)'s digital campaign team is experiencing significant turmoil, revealing discontent regarding strategy and leadership within its ranks.

Veteran journalists K.V. Sudhakaran, K. Mohandas, and E.S. Subhash, all former members of the Deshabhimani publication, have departed from the CPI(M)’s social media division. Their resignations are believed to be a protest against unilateral decisions made by M.V. Nikesh Kumar, who leads the cyber unit at the AKG Centre, the state party's headquarters.

Reports suggest that dissatisfaction has been brewing for a while concerning Nikesh's elevated status within the party and his operational methods. This internal schism is particularly concerning as speculation grows that Nikesh may be nominated from a secure constituency in Kannur.

Recently, he has also been the target of online attacks, with narratives claiming that M.V. Raghavan’s son would “defeat” the ruling CPI(M). These internal divisions have further intensified the prevailing uncertainty.

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan was instrumental in Nikesh’s appointment to lead the social media team, a decision that was initially seen as a strategic overhaul of the party's online presence.

A collective of over 30 members, including content creators and editors, was assembled to generate television-style discussions and targeted digital content designed to counter political adversaries.

However, mounting criticism within party circles indicates that the cyber division has not achieved the desired political impact. Promotional efforts during recent regional events are broadly perceived to have fallen short, and several digital initiatives are reported to have backfired, occasionally provoking negative public reactions.

Even long-time party supporters have openly criticized the cyber strategy, claiming that the unit has inadequately conveyed the government's developmental and welfare initiatives.

The resignations have placed the leadership in a precarious position, emphasizing the challenges the CPI(M) faces as it seeks to enhance its digital effectiveness amid intensifying electoral competition.

Nikesh is the son of the esteemed former CPI(M) leader Raghavan, who, after disagreements with the party, was expelled. He later established his own party and allied with the Congress-led UDF, even serving as a minister.

After his father's passing, at the peak of his journalistic career, Nikesh was given a candidacy by the CPI(M) in the 2016 assembly elections but was unsuccessful. He subsequently returned to journalism before re-entering full-time politics last year, when he was appointed to lead the party’s digital team.