LDF Convenor TP Ramakrishnan likely to step down; P Rajeev emerges as frontrunner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior CPI(M) leader T.P. Ramakrishnan is likely to step down from the position of Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convenor, citing health issues. Sources indicate that Ramakrishnan has already conveyed his decision to the CPI(M) leadership. Central Committee member and former minister P. Rajeev has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed him in the key organisational post.

Ramakrishnan had reportedly expressed his willingness to relinquish the responsibility immediately after the conclusion of the Assembly elections. However, the CPI(M) leadership advised against a hasty transition at the time. The Left Front is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting next month, once all constituent partners complete their respective internal election reviews. The leadership change is being considered as the front looks to revitalise its organisational machinery and intensify public agitations against the government.

The CPI(M) leadership assesses that positioning a leader like P. Rajeev at the party centre will be highly advantageous. The current political climate demands rapid responses and timely interventions on burning issues. At present, state secretariat member M. Swaraj is often entrusted with these duties whenever the party state secretary is unavailable. Inducting Rajeev into the core operational team is expected to give a strategic boost to both the party and the alliance. This move also aligns with the CPI(M)’s ongoing organisational shift toward empowering the next generation of leaders.

Simultaneously, even as Pinarayi Vijayan continues to lead the party as the Leader of the Opposition, the top brass wants K.N. Balagopal to take up a more proactive role on the floor of the Assembly. Balagopal is expected to be given the primary responsibility of articulating the opposition's stance and countering the government during legislative debates. This strategy also explains why the CPI(M) has adopted a firm stance against conceding the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post to its key coalition ally, the CPI.