Synopsis
Following the CPI-M state conference in Kollam, the first signs of discontent against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have emerged. A veteran party leader expressed dissatisfaction and resigned from all party positions, highlighting growing unrest within the party ranks.Key Takeaways
- Veteran leader M. Padmakumar resigns amid discontent.
- The new state committee is filled with Vijayan loyalists.
- Signs of unrest are apparent in Kannur.
- Political analysts note Vijayan's dominance.
- Riyas' rapid political rise raises eyebrows.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 (NationPress) The four-day CPI-M state conference held in Kollam, which wrapped up on Sunday evening, proceeded exactly as planned by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Nonetheless, the initial indications of discontent have emerged, as a seasoned party leader launched the first criticism by exiting soon after the announcement of the new state committee.
The newly formed 89-member state committee, which includes 17 new faces, and the 17-member state secretariat are predominantly filled with Vijayan loyalists. Those not in favor with the Chief Minister have been marginalized.
M. Padmakumar, a former party legislator and past president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, openly shared his dissatisfaction on social media regarding the selection of State Health Minister Veena George as an invitee to the state committee. George, hailing from Pathanamthitta district, has been affiliated with the party for merely nine years, while Padmakumar has devoted five decades to party service.
Although he initially deleted his post after it gained attention, he reaffirmed his grievances on Monday morning and declared his resignation from all party roles.
In response to the situation, Pathanamthitta district CPI-M secretary Raju Abraham defended George's inclusion, referencing a precedent where former Minister C. Raveendranath (2016-21) was also invited to the committee despite not being a full member. "I am unsure why he opted to resign. We had a conversation, and he indicated he would discuss it further. The matter will be addressed by our district committee in the presence of state leaders," Abraham stated.
Signs of dissatisfaction are surfacing in Kannur, the home turf of Vijayan. P. Jayarajan, one of the district's most influential leaders, was excluded from the state secretariat, while his junior colleague, M.V. Jayarajan -- a former legislator and Vijayan's previous political secretary -- secured a position.
Jayarajan's son took to social media, subtly suggesting that his father's exclusion was anticipated. Notably, every former Kannur district secretary has been inducted into the state secretariat -- except Jayarajan.
Former Minister and senior leader J. Mercykutty seems to be concealing her disappointment over her exclusion from the state secretariat. Other sidelined figures include senior legislator and ex-Minister Kadakampally Surendran and State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh.
Even the Thiruvananthapuram district CPI-M unit is reportedly dissatisfied, as none of its leaders have made it to the state secretariat.
A political analyst, speaking under the condition of anonymity, remarked that the conference outcome solidifies Vijayan's dominance over the party, just like in the government.
“The inclusion of new members clearly indicates that anyone not in the good graces of State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas (Vijayan's son-in-law) has been excluded. It's clear what Vijayan, who is approaching 80, is planning,” said the critic.
Riyas' political rise has been remarkable since his marriage to Vijayan's daughter during the Covid-19 pandemic. He won his first Assembly election in 2021, was appointed as a Minister, and just three years later, was added to the state secretariat, surpassing several senior leaders.
With Padmakumar launching the first attack and murmurs of discontent escalating, all attention is now directed towards Vijayan.
