‘Limited to Taliparamba after fielding wife, M V Govindan a complete failure’; criticized in district leadership meetings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Criticism continues against CPM state secretary M V Govindan in district leadership meetings following the party’s poll debacle. The leaders criticized him for focusing mainly on Kannur after his wife P K Shyamala was fielded in Taliparambu constituency.

M V Govindan was blamed for being a complete failure. The criticism was reportedly raised in his presence. Former mayor Arya Rajendran also came under criticism, with party members alleging that her performance as mayor had damaged the party’s image. The CPM district leadership in Thiruvananthapuram was also criticized. Leaders alleged that organizational failures in Nemom and Kazhakkoottam led to the party’s defeat there. They also said public criticism against the government over issues including the Sabarimala gold theft case had negatively affected the party in several constituencies. There are no efficient leaders to serve as district secretary, criticized Govindan.

Meantime, a demand was raised in the CPM Alappuzha district secretariat asking Pinarayi Vijayan to step down from the opposition leader’s post. Strong criticism was also raised against M V Govindan. Leaders said the district lacked an effective organizational structure to face the election and failed to counter the challenge raised by G Sudhakaran.

Some leaders reportedly admitted that there was strong public sentiment against Pinarayi Vijayan and said there was no point in hiding it. The state secretary is speaking without even the standard of a branch secretary. If such an approach continues, the party may never return to power in Kerala. Leaders also said G Sudhakaran should have been removed earlier. Criticized Pinarayi Vijayan’s controversial ‘dash mone’ remark as inappropriate.