Kerala CPI(M) Faces Internal Strife as Minister Criticizes Speaker
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Synopsis
Tensions rise within the Kerala CPI(M) as Minister Rajesh's complaint against Speaker A.N. Shamsher escalates the ongoing conflict between the two leaders, causing concern among party officials. With the state conference approaching, swift action from the leadership is anticipated.
Key Takeaways
- Minister Rajesh's complaint against Speaker Shamsher highlights internal party tensions.
- The conflict escalated during a legislative assembly session.
- Rajesh's previous tenure as Speaker included criticisms of Shamsher.
- Party leadership is aware and aims to resolve the issue before the upcoming conference.
- Shamsher's response has drawn attention from the opposition.
Thiruvananthapuram, February 12 (NationPress) The ongoing tension between two key figures in the Kerala CPI(M) has escalated after Excise and Local Self Government Minister Rajesh lodged a complaint against Speaker A.N. Shamsher, leaving the party leadership in a state of embarrassment.
This incident unfolded during a session of the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday when the Speaker reprimanded Rajesh quite sternly.
Shamsher, a two-term legislator from Thalassery in Kannur, had previously served as a legislator while Rajesh, after one term in the Lok Sabha representing Palakkad, secured his first Assembly election victory in 2021 and was appointed Speaker that same year. Following the passing of CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan in 2022, M.V. Govindan was appointed as the new party secretary, while Shamsher, discontented about not being made Minister in 2021, took on the Speaker’s role, leading to Rajesh succeeding Govindan in the cabinet.
Shamsher, originating from the CPI(M) stronghold of Kannur, was regarded as the favored candidate of Balakrishnan.
The discord between the two leaders reportedly began during Rajesh's tenure as Speaker, when he publicly criticized Shamsher, who was only a legislator at the time.
Now, with Shamsher as Speaker, he has retaliated against Rajesh, triggering immediate reactions from the opposition.
During Tuesday's session, even after Rajesh apologized for breaching standard legislative protocols, he received a harsh response from the Speaker, which did not sit well with Rajesh.
Rajesh has raised this issue with both Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Govindan, who have both attempted to calm him and are seeking to address Shamsher's conduct.
With the CPI(M) state conference approaching at the end of the month, the party leadership is expected to address this matter promptly.
