THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Major churning awaits the CPM, going by the exhaustive exercise undertaken by the party post its humiliating defeat in the recent assembly elections. Contrary to the usual practice, the CPM has undertaken a bottom-to-top approach so as to ensure that criticism from grass-root cadres are heard before arriving at the final assessment. The first indication of the mammoth exercise on cards was the 11-hour-long secretariat meeting held a day after the poll results were out.
Notably at the meeting, many aired critical remarks against Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary MV Govindan in their presence. In an unprecedented manner, the leaders came down heavily on both for their style of functioning, intolerance towards criticism and reluctance to change. No point in keeping mum, pointed out a leader who added that even left votes went against the party in this election.
Notably, sensing an opportunity in the backdrop of the poll debacle, an apparent counterforce is emerging in the party. Gradually the new axis with enjoys an apparent support within the left and party top leadership, is trying to gain more grip over the party. Post the defeat and the public outcry for a leadership change at the top, the central leadership led by general secretary MA Baby is expected to exercise more control over the party. However interestingly even now there are none who would openly challenge Pinarayi within the party or the Left front.
The social media platforms and party pages have been brimming with demands for leadership change. Though there are demands for leadership change at the state level, chances are less for the same to materialize. However a few district leaders and those below could face the axe in the coming days.
The party state leadership is however aware of the simmering discontent within a section which is gradually spilling out. Bubbling criticism against Pinarayi and MV Govindan are indications of this resentment. “The cadres are disgruntled. There’s serious disenchantment among them. That’s why this approach - that too without any time limit. Let the cadres vent their ire. Instead of winding up meetings in a ritualistic manner, detailed discussions would be allowed. In fact, that’s why we stressed that they should speak in a free and fearless manner. Lapses from party and government – not just during the polls but in the last ten years – can be assessed. There have been numerous goof-ups. Even our motto – Who else, but LDF – sounded more like a challenge against the people,” said a senior leader.
At the secretariat, criticism came up against the way the entire Left campaign revolved around just one person – which is not in line with Leftist traditions. “While on the other side team UDF campaigned, we had just one figure all across. It’s so unbecoming of the CPM. Contrary to the general perception, the criticism at the secretariat was not just against Pinarayi. It was directed against a bunch of other leaders who were trying to imitate the same. Obviously there’s failure of Kannur leadership, both in candidate selection and in addressing inner-party issues. Undoubtedly there was lack of propriety by the secretary in Thaliparambu. Similarly fielding the sitting MLA despite allegations over fund irregularities should have been avoided,” pointed out another senior leader.
The state secretariat will against meet on May 12 for more detailed discussions. “It could be the first time the state secretariat was held in such an elaborate manner. In fact Pinarayi himself urged that detailed ad open discussions should be held. The leaders expressed their opinions openly. As of now there are no final decisions taken. We are of the view that political reasons – not any kind of anti left consolidation – that led to this verdict. The constant criticism against the government coupled with the media campaigns targeting the left too played a key role,” said a leader.
The state committee meeting is against scheduled for June to review the poll outcome. The state committee meeting on May 13 and 14 followed by the district, area, local and branch committee meetings in the coming days, are expected to witness more such criticism.