Kanam Rajendran: CPI leader's storied legacy and political journey

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI State Secretary, Kanam Rajendran expressed a preference for Kodiyeri Balakrishnan over Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Rajendran emphasized Balakrishnan's ability to comprehend his viewpoints without explicit communication.

In 1982, Rajendran aged 32 and Balakrishnan aged 28 concurrently entered the Kerala Legislative Assembly marking the inception of their intertwined political trajectories. Subsequently, when Balakrishnan assumed the role of CPM State Secretary, Rajendran ascended to lead the CPI. This period witnessed the warmest camaraderie between CPI and CPM in the state. The demise of Balakrishnan during the CPI state conference profoundly affected Rajendran.

Throughout history, leaders like MN Govindan Nair, PK Vasudevan Nair and CK Chandrappan endeavoured to maintain the party's integrity. Despite Chief Minister Pinarayi's firm leadership, Rajendran remained steadfast in supporting or criticizing policies when necessary.

Rajendran defended CPM in various controversial incidents including the Nilambur Maoist firing, Thomas Chandy's resignation, the law academy strike and political unrest in Kannur. Critically, he denounced attempts to enforce the UAPA, labelling it as anti-left. Additionally, he disapproved of the Chief Minister's directive for the media to 'get out' and opposed the government's stance on the sprinkler controversy. Conversely, he strongly advocated action against controversies involving the Chief Minister's daughter.

After CK Chandrappan's passing when the state council convened to elect a new secretary all 13 districts rallied behind Rajendran. Despite central leadership recommending C Divakaran, a resolution was reached where Pannyan Raveendran emerged as the secretary, who later nominated Rajendran as his successor.

In his final days, weakened by illness, Rajendran cherished the desire to witness the completion of the new state committee office.