Is the 'Trickle' in Kerala CPI-M Poised to Transform into a Flow Toward Congress and BJP?

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3 (NationPress) The political landscape in Kerala is experiencing a transformation, with leaders transitioning between parties. Many had anticipated that the CPI-M would remain stable, yet a trickle of defections has begun. The critical inquiry now is whether this flow will become consistent.

Recently, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal, who also serves as the Alappuzha Lok Sabha member, paid a visit to the residence of esteemed two-time former CPI-M State Minister G. Sudhakaran, a prominent figure in the district.

Since not receiving a nomination to contest the 2021 Assembly elections in his political stronghold, Amabalapuzha Assembly constituency—where he has served for four terms—the 74-year-old Sudhakaran has expressed dissatisfaction.

Sudhakaran is regarded as a politician with an unblemished reputation, earning respect even from his staunch Congress adversaries due to his exemplary public service.

Although some have questioned the implications of the meeting between Venugopal and Sudhakaran, veteran Congress leader and sitting Lok Sabha member from Kasargod, Rajmohan Unnithan, remarked to IANS that the meeting carries significance.

“Regardless of public perception, it was a courteous visit. Just wait and observe; there is more to this than what is apparent. Sudhakaran is well-known for his clean political history, unlike many within his party. There is widespread discontent within the CPI-M concerning the current leadership's management of party affairs,” stated Unnithan, known for his incisive comments.

“Take a look at the CPI-M's current status; unrest is prevalent across nearly all 14 districts in the state. The primary cause of this discontent is how the party is progressing. Over the last week, what started as a trickle has seen local leaders begin to shift their allegiance toward Congress and BJP. Should our Congress leadership navigate this situation wisely, the trickle could quickly escalate into a consistent flow,” Unnithan added.

Factionalism has emerged as a significant challenge for state party Secretary M. V. Govindan, who is tirelessly attending numerous meetings to address these issues.

What has surprised the CPI-M leadership is that all this unrest is unfolding just ahead of the state party conference scheduled for early next year.

On Tuesday, one of its well-known local leaders, M. Madhu from the capital district, announced his departure from the party to join the BJP.

“Yesterday, our district meeting decided to expel Madhu, and the state committee ratified this decision on Tuesday. We were aware that Madhu was in discussions with the BJP,” mentioned CPI-M Thiruvananthapuram district secretary and Varkala MLA V. Joy.

Reports of unrest within the party have also surfaced from Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Palakkad.

Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan expressed his high regard for Sudhakaran, acknowledging him as a respected legislator and former State Minister.

“We are closely monitoring the developments occurring within the CPI-M,” stated Satheesan.