Kerala's Vijayan and Minister Riyas Strengthen CPI-M Position
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Synopsis
As the Kerala ruling CPI-M prepares for its state party conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is strategically ensuring his influence continues while promoting his son-in-law, Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, to a more powerful role within the party structure.
Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan is asserting control over CPI-M leadership.
- Riyas M. Mehaboob appointed as new district Secretary in Kozhikode.
- A. Pradeep Kumar was sidelined in the leadership transition.
- Riyas is expected to rise in power within the party hierarchy.
- Vijayan aims for a generational change in party leadership.
Kozhikode, Jan 31 (NationPress) As Kerala's ruling CPI-M gears up for the imminent state party conference, where a fresh team of office bearers will assume their roles, the influential Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, unlike his predecessors, has been asserting his dominance over party activities. He is strategically maneuvering to maintain his influence while also positioning his son-in-law and current state Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas to emerge as a significant figure within the party.
This was highlighted when the CPI-M unit in Kozhikode, the native district of Riyas, appointed Vijayan's close confidant and preferred choice Riyas M. Mehaboob as the new district Secretary on Friday.
During this transition, popular leader and former legislator A. Pradeep Kumar was overlooked as some factions believed he might succeed the outgoing Secretary P. Mohanan, who recently completed his term.
A political analyst pointed out that the ongoing district party meetings, where Vijayan remains present for two to three days, reveal a lot about the intended strategy.
“Vijayan is tactfully ensuring a generational shift within the party, and consolidating control at the district level is a vital initial step to elevate Riyas within the party hierarchy,” the analyst remarked.
Notably, out of Kerala’s 14 districts, where new office bearers are being appointed, the Vijayan-Riyas alliance has struggled to place their preferred candidates in key roles in districts like Pathanamthitta and Palakkad. However, in districts such as Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, the newly appointed district Secretaries are all aligned with Riyas.
The Kannur district has historically been a stronghold for Vijayan, and with a significant number of districts under his influence, the next anticipated role for Riyas is at the national level during the upcoming Party Congress in Madurai.
With Riyas already part of the state Secretariat, it remains uncertain whether he will be included in the Central Committee, as upcoming vacancies may arise. As Kerala stands as the last stronghold for the CPI-M, Vijayan's firm grip on national party affairs is likely to bolster his position when the new office bearers are announced.
