THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM’s 22nd party congress in Hyderabad next week would be one of the most crucial and keenly-watched political meets in its history, with Left parties, especially the CPM, going through its most challenging phase. The meet holds significance in the backdrop of its pan India presence whittled down to only Kerala, post the Tripura debacle.
Having been reduced to a single-state party on the electoral front, CPM has to address the root cause of its fast dwindling ranks, while finalising its political tactical line, keeping the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in mind. The party congress is expected to take a final call on the political line of understanding with other secular parties, including the Congress.
Curiously, the biggest challenge facing the CPM comes from within. Even as the party faces electoral setbacks, factional war among the top brass is what poses the real threat. The ideological battle between the Yechury and Karat factions holds the party in a stalemate. The Karat faction had earlier succeeded in voting out Yechury’s political-tactical line.
The draft political line, approved by the Central Committee, clearly states it is imperative to defeat the BJP Government. However, the same has to be undertaken without any understanding or electoral alliance with the Congress party. Though his line was voted out, Yechury has made it clear time and again “appropriate electoral tactics would be employed at the time of elections to pool anti-BJP votes,” clearly indicating his refusal to give up his stance.
The fact the Yechury line is supported by the West Bengal CPM becomes crucial. The Hyderabad Congress would be the forum where the party takes a final call in this regard. At a time when the party should have cashed in on the differences within the NDA, such a major rift within the central leadership could prove costly, feel political thinkers.
“It is quite unfortunate. The CPM has failed to observe and assess the national political scenario and accordingly take a call. Many regional parties, including the TDP, have opted out of the NDA. The Left could have effectively used this scenario to its advantage. The CPM should correct its political line, as the current tactical line is not in tandem with the ground reality,” observed Left thinker Appukkuttan Vallikkunnu.
In fact, the Yechury line does not advocate a direct alliance with the Congress. They want the party to fall in line with the decision at the 17th Party Congress in 2002. “As per that decision, the Left should contest in states where the party has sufficient strength. In other states, there should be a concerted effort to defeat the BJP, by supporting the opponent,” said a Left leader who feels the CPM should have circulated Yechury’s political resolution among the lower factions too.
Karat’s observation the BJP government is yet to turn fascist is rejected by Yechury who warned fascism should be defeated before it actually reaches our door steps.
Yechury’s second term
One of the most keenly watched developments would be general secretary Sitaram Yechury’s chances of a second term. With the powerful Karat faction keen to oust Yechury who enjoys the support of the West Bengal faction, the Party Congress is sure to witness a tussle of sorts.
With factional war rearing its head, there are sure shot indications the Karat faction has been fervently pitching for a replacement.
Among a couple of names being circulated for the top post, former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar is being widely viewed as a favourable candidate. More senior leaders from Kerala could also make it to the party Central Committee and the Politburo.