'Woman CM soon in Kerala'; CPM leader K K Shailaja opens up

KOLLAM: CPM central committee member KK Shailaja expressed hope of a woman taking the chief minister’s seat in the state soon. KK Shailaja praised CPM for always providing opportunities for women to come to the forefront of leadership.

"Women make up 50 percent of the world. Women's representation should increase in all sectors. The women's representation within CPM is increasing. It should increase further. Now, from branch secretary to area secretary, women are at the forefront controlling affairs. Next, a woman will become the district secretary,' said Shailaja.

Politburo member Brinda Karat, in her candid talk with Kerala Kaumudi, said there was a male or female general secretary for the party. She added that the party congress decides who becomes the secretary.

Brinda Karat also responded to the ASHA workers' strike. “The party's stance is that ASHA workers should get justice. They should be made permanent workers. They should get a fair wage. At the same time, let's not forget that the negative stance of the central government is the cause of the problems.”

Meanwhile, considering the age limit, Brinda, who has crossed 75, will have to resign from the PB this time. However, some factions want to make a concession and bring Brinda as the first woman general secretary of the CPM.