Ambalappuzha vote loss needs scrutiny, says CPM district secretary’s report; Pinarayi criticises G Sudhakaran

ALAPPUZHA: The CPM’s electoral setback in Ambalappuzha needs a detailed examination, said a report presented by district secretary R. Naser at the party’s extended district committee meeting. The report said the party’s distance from some community organisations and its alleged appeasement of others proved detrimental. Despite the strong presence of organisations such as the SNDP Yogam and KPMS in the district, the party failed to give them adequate consideration. Factionalism in the Alappuzha, Kuttanad and Kayamkulam area committees also contributed to the defeat, the report said.

The report called for party workers and leaders, from the district level to the branch level, to conduct self-criticism and address the shortcomings. It also said those seeking leadership positions were not active enough in party activities. Despite setbacks in the local body elections, no effective steps were taken to strengthen the party organisation, the report said. Overconfidence stemming from the continuation of power also contributed to the humiliating defeat, it added.

In a correction note presented by Pinarayi Vijayan, former minister and senior CPM leader G. Sudhakaran was criticised as a “decaying leader” driven by a desire for power. The note alleged that Sudhakaran had reached a stage where he was willing to do anything for power. The disciplinary action against state secretary M. V. Govindan was also reported to the committee.

‘Party failed to put up resistance’

The district secretary’s report stressed the need for sincere efforts to bring back those who had left the party and those who had distanced themselves from it. However, delegates also pointed out several lapses by the CPM and its leadership in the district. Some delegates said the party failed to anticipate Sudhakaran’s political moves or build an electoral counter after he shared a platform with what they described as “class enemies”.

Some participants said everyone, from the grassroots to the top leadership, shared responsibility for bringing the party and the front to their present position in a district where they had dominated all Assembly constituencies except Haripad.

Several delegates also raised allegations related to fund collection and criticised the arrogance allegedly displayed by the district’s elected representatives and leaders during the party’s continued rule.

District secretariat members were accused of showing complete indifference to organisational activities after being given charge of boards and various corporations. Delegates also alleged that the leadership had failed to raise or correct its mistakes during party conferences. The party and its leadership also failed to convince the public of the facts behind allegations raised against the Chief Minister and his family, as well as ministers and other leaders, delegates said. Apart from 45 district committee members, 85 representatives from various area committees took part in the group-based discussions.