CPM leaders face criticism over defeats in Taliparamba and Payyannur; state leadership asked to explain

KANNUR: The CPM state leadership came under fire at an extended meeting of the Kannur district committee, with representatives holding it responsible for the party's defeats in Taliparamba and Payyannur. The criticism centred on the leadership's failure to consider the views of party units while selecting candidates. State secretary M.V. Govindan was the main target of the criticism.

The decision to field P.K. Shyamala in Taliparamba drew the sharpest criticism. Representatives questioned why the decision was not reconsidered despite strong opposition during discussions at all levels, from the district secretariat to constituency committees.

Members from Mayyil and other areas pointed out that fielding the State Secretary's wife as a candidate created a public impression of nepotism, which brought embarrassment to the party and could have been avoided with a single word. They asserted that the district committee alone cannot be blamed for the defeat and demanded answers from the state leadership. Criticism was also directed at District Secretary K.K. Ragesh for failing to properly convey these concerns to the state leadership.

In Payyannur, representatives felt that factionalism, rather than candidate selection, was the main reason for the defeat. Allegations were raised that some of those who campaigned alongside T.I. Madhusoodanan had worked against him during the election.

However, the two-member commission appointed to investigate the issue, comprising N. Chandran and P. Harindran, has not yet submitted its report. Members have demanded an explanation for the delay.

Dharmaraj martyr fund issue also comes under scrutiny

While the party continues to maintain that it did nothing wrong in the Dharmaraj martyr fund controversy, the organisational report admitted that it had failed to convince party workers of its position. The report also acknowledged that the party could not effectively counter the allegations raised by V. Kunhikrishnan. It said the Payyannur area committee had failed to recognise his anti-party stance.

The Mattannur area committee also came under severe criticism. The assessment was that the party had failed to counter the campaign that K.K. Shailaja was shifted from Mattannur to Peravoor to sideline her.

Some representatives also demanded that A.N. Shamseer be made the district secretary. However, a few leaders said Govindan alone could not be blamed for the setbacks. The mega rally, which was postponed due to the Dasara and Mahanavami celebrations, will be held on the 25th.

Pinarayi government also faces criticism

Representatives also questioned the decision to sign the agreement for the PM SHRI scheme. They asked why the party had not openly explained to the public that it had to sign the agreement to secure funds for Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK). They also questioned whether the lack of foresight had led to differences with the CPI over the issue.