Chintha Jerome likely to become DYFI's first woman state president; M Vijin to be Secretary

THRISSUR: CPM state committee member Chintha Jerome is likely to become the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), potentially becoming the organisation's first woman state president. Kalliasseri MLA M. Vijin is likely to be appointed as the state secretary.

An understanding on the proposed leadership was reached at a DYFI fraction meeting attended by CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan. The meeting was held ahead of the DYFI state conference, scheduled to take place in Thrissur from August 19 to 22. The new office-bearers will officially be elected at the conference.

This is the first time a woman is being considered for the post of DYFI state president in Kerala. Vijin is currently the DYFI state vice-president. The move to reduce the age limit for office-bearers to 38 is aimed at bringing Chintha and others into leadership roles. Some CPM leaders had reportedly backed former Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran for the post of DYFI state president, but M.V. Govindan is said to have suggested considering Chintha Jerome instead.

A native of Kollam, Chintha Jerome has been active in the CPM since her days in the Students' Federation of India (SFI).

Differences over age limit

Meanwhile, the proposed reduction in the age limit for office-bearers has reportedly triggered strong differences of opinion within the organisation. While the maximum age for DYFI membership is 40, the age limit for its office-bearers is decided by the CPM.

There is also dissatisfaction over reports that the age limit was reduced to 38 at the direction of M.V. Govindan without the knowledge of the CPM state secretariat. A section of DYFI leaders has reportedly raised the issue with senior CPM leaders.

The move has also drawn allegations that the reduced age limit is intended to exclude leaders, including Thiruvananthapuram district secretary M. Shijukhan, who was considered a possible candidate for the state president's post. Shijukhan is above 38 years of age.

A similar attempt was made in 2018, when a DYFI fraction meeting decided to reduce the age limit for office-bearers to 37. However, following strong opposition, the CPM state secretariat intervened and withdrew the decision. The list of office-bearers decided by the fraction was also changed at the time.