Criticism in CPI council: Projecting Chief Minister alone within LDF berated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI State Council meeting pointed out that promoting only the Chief Minister could give opponents a chance to attack the LDF government. It emphasized the need to promote the entire LDF government instead. The CPI clarified that its responsibility is to protect the LDF, not just the Chief Minister.

The council criticized CPI ministers for showing excessive loyalty to the Chief Minister, stating that such loyalty is unnecessary and that efficient work is more important. Some government practices were also criticized. As the government celebrates its fourth anniversary, it was noted that neither the Chief Minister nor the ministers should fear individuals wearing black. The police should avoid targeting people in black shirts.

The council expressed disapproval of the CPI's failure to oppose the brewery in Elappully. Addressing the issue, State Secretary Binoy Viswam explained that the LDF supported the brewery project only because it was designed to avoid harming agriculture and drinking water.

The ASHA workers' strike was highlighted as a factor damaging the government's image. The council criticized the delay in resolving the strike, stating it should have been settled earlier. Additionally, the Finance Department's obstruction of the Farmers' Welfare Fund Board's work, even after four years, was criticized. This was attributed to the CPM's rigid stance.

No ban on competitions: CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam clarified in a press conference that while the party constitution allows contesting in conferences, pre-planned contests involving groups and factions are unacceptable. He dismissed the campaign to ban competitions as absurd. He emphasized that opposition and disagreements can be raised within the party through established methods.

Viswam also criticized the Waqf Act, describing it as an attempt to undermine secular politics in India by creating divisions between Muslim and Christian minorities. He accused the Congress of remaining passive in the face of BJP's politics. He also mentioned that K.E. Ismail had violated party discipline and tarnished the party's reputation. However, he clarified that the action against Ismail was unrelated to party meetings and was taken while respecting party traditions.

CPI takes a different stand on the monthly payment case: The CPI distanced itself from the CPM's claim that the case against the Chief Minister's daughter was politically motivated. State Secretary Binoy Viswam explained that the issue involving Exalogic was not an LDF matter but a dispute between two companies.

On the other hand, the CPM argued that the SFIO charge sheet was a political conspiracy aimed at discrediting the Chief Minister, the LDF, and the government ahead of elections. State Secretary M.V. Govindan stated that the transactions between CMRL and Exalogic were transparent and accused opponents of targeting the Chief Minister.

The CPI maintained that the case had not yet reached a stage where it could be deemed politically motivated. However, it warned that if investigating agencies attempted to politicize the case, it would respond politically. Viswam reiterated that the issue concerning the Chief Minister's daughter did not reflect the Communist Party's position.