Conference that maintained democratic character

CPI's state conference, held in Alappuzha over the past few days, concluded peacefully, although many predicted that there would be smoke and flames and that it would eventually end in an explosion. The conference re-elected Binoy Viswam unopposed as the party secretary. A 103-member state council, 11 candidate members and a nine-member control commission were also elected. Apart from the minor inconveniences that are common in political party conferences, the democratic nature was fully maintained throughout. Representatives from various districts who participated in the conference came forward to scrutinize the organizational report presented by the party leadership and to criticize the issues that were mentioned in a mild manner. The new leadership elected by the conference should take the initiative in leading the party forward by taking such responses into account.

Binoy Viswam, who was appointed as the State Secretary following the demise of Kanam Rajendran, was re-elected as the Secretary with the full approval of the State Conference. Binoy entered the political path from a family that was firmly rooted in communist ideals. Binoy Viswam, who has an unblemished personality, is an environmentalist, a literary enthusiast and above all, a philanthropist. Binoy Viswam, who can be described as a mature leader, follows a political path that is filled with humanity, which is most necessary for communist parties in the new era. We wish that the CPI will be able to attract the younger generation to the party and fight for the needs of the general public under his leadership. K. Rajan, G.R. Anil, P. Prasad, and J. Chinchu Rani, who are working as CPI representatives in the state cabinet, have also reached the state council again. We also take this opportunity to congratulate all those elected to the State Council.

Political observers often assess the CPI as a corrective force in Kerala politics. The CPI is also a party that can claim a tradition of leaders who did not hesitate to express their opinions openly on behalf of the people, even when in power. The new leadership needs to be able to introspect whether the party is able to respond in that way on public issues today. The sentiment expressed by the delegates who participated in the discussions is that the party wants the same, no matter what position the leadership takes. At the same time, senior leaders should try to end divisive positions. Sectarian activities and individual leadership ambitions are not a decoration for any party. The path of persuasion should be adopted and there should be coordination to resolve differences of opinion without suppressing them. It is the leadership that should try to utilise leaders who have talent and a practical approach without leaving them behind.

The party leadership should have been a little more lenient towards a senior leader like K.E. Ismail. Such a controversy could have been avoided at the Alappuzha conference if their past work history had been taken into account. The party is for the people. Sectarianism and factionalism arise when some think of the party as being for leaders and positions of power.