CPI Alappuzha district conference: Leadership dismisses criticism against Civil Supplies Dept

ALAPPUZHA: The CPI Alappuzha district leadership has dismissed criticisms raised by some delegates at the district conference against the Civil Supplies Department. District Secretary T.J. Angelos clarified that the issues in paddy procurement were due to delays in central allocation and lack of cooperation from banks, and that it is meaningless to blame the minister or the department for this.

He highlighted that right from the start of the procurement process, mill owners were designated, and thanks to the persistent efforts of the Food Minister, the procurement was successfully carried out even amid challenging weather conditions, minimising losses for farmers. When mill owners declined to procure paddy, citing quality concerns, Oil Palm India stepped in to facilitate the purchase and ensured that payments were deposited directly into the farmers’ bank accounts. This outcome was achieved through the steady coordination and active involvement of Agriculture Minister P. Prasad and Food Minister G.R. Anil.

He also pointed to the example of CPI Minister J. Chinchurani’s Animal Husbandry Department, which managed effective preventive action during the bird flu outbreak and ensured compensation for farmers, despite the central government’s apathy. The fact that no cases of bird flu were reported this year, he said, was evidence of the department’s efficiency.

Meanwhile, delegates demanded that the CPI transform itself from its outdated and rigid party structure. Angelos and State Secretary Binoy Viswam provided clarifications in response to the criticisms. They stated that the state conference, set to be held in Alappuzha, is being organised in a unique context where the State Secretary himself has taken the lead to foster dialogue among differing opinions, helping to conclude the conference without internal competition.

Delegates also accused the CPM of displaying a high-handed approach, especially by disregarding Front agreements such as the power-sharing arrangement for president and vice-president positions in the three-tier panchayats. Although instructions were given to revitalise grassroots operations after the Lok Sabha election defeat, delegates noted that several constituency committees are experiencing a drop in cadre numbers, and some wards do not have any CPI party branches at all.