Decisions Loom at CPI(M) Conference in Kerala
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Synopsis
The CPI(M) conference in Kollam, Kerala, is set to reshape its leadership for the next three years. With discussions on age exemptions and key figures like CM Vijayan and former leaders in focus, the outcome will determine the party's direction.
Key Takeaways
- Kollam hosts a pivotal CPI(M) conference.
- The age limit for committee members is set at 75.
- CM Vijayan is likely the decisive factor in leadership changes.
- Previous rivalries have shaped current dynamics.
- New office-bearers will be announced shortly.
Kollam, March 6 (NationPress) As the CPI(M) flag was raised during the four-day state conference held in Kollam, Kerala, discussions centered around who will remain and who will be dismissed as the new state committee prepares to lead for the next three years.
Significant transformations have occurred in the party's operational style over the years. The last time Kollam hosted a party conference was in 1995, which witnessed a fierce electoral contest for top leadership roles between V.S. Achuthanandan and E.K. Nayanar. Ultimately, Achuthanandan lost the state secretary position by a mere two votes.
Despite his defeat, Achuthanandan gained popularity over the years, eventually becoming the Chief Minister in 2006. However, by that time, the current Chief Minister and then-party secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had gained substantial control over the party. Their rivalry escalated to a point where the party's national leadership felt compelled to suspend both from the politburo.
Nevertheless, after some time, when Vijayan was restored to his position, Achuthanandan aged, leading to his honorable retreat from active politics. Currently, he resides at his son's home in the state capital. A media analyst, who requested anonymity, remarked that with Chief Minister Vijayan being the undisputed leader within the party and government, it is anticipated that he will decide who stays and who goes.
“We will have to wait a day or two to discover how many individuals will be exempt from the age limit, as the cutoff is 75 years. CM Vijayan is already exempt, and it remains to be seen how many others may also receive such exemptions. One notable leader and two-time state Minister G. Sudhakaran has not even been invited to the Kollam conference, indicating that CM Vijayan continues to influence these decisions,” the analyst noted.
The current state committee comprises 87 members, with the state secretariat having 17. Given the age criterion of 75, approximately 15 individuals will need to exit to pave the way for new leaders. Presently, CM Vijayan is the only one granted an exemption.
Veteran leader and former state Minister A.K. Balan, who opened the conference by hoisting the party flag, has surpassed 75 years of age. State secretary M.V. Govindan affirmed that the age limit will be strictly enforced, and Prakash Karat, a member of the politburo and current general secretary, stated that the decision on exemptions lies with the state party unit.
By Friday evening, the new office-bearers' list will be made public, clarifying who will remain, who will exit, and who will be exempted, most likely determined by CM Vijayan.
