Factionalism in Kollam CPM: Four leaders including PR Vasanthan excluded from district committee

KOLLAM: Four individuals from the factionally divided Karunagappally area were excluded during the formation of the new district committee at the CPM district conference. Those left out include former DYFI state president PR Vasanthan, former Karunagappally area secretary PK Balachandran, former district secretariat member C Radhamani, and B Gopan, who had joined from the JSS.

The tug-of-war between two groups, one led by PR Vasanthan and the other by Democratic Women's Association state president Susan Kody, had caused significant embarrassment for the CPM in Karunagappally during the conference period. Among those excluded, PK Balachandran was aligned with PR Vasanthan’s faction, while C Radhamani was aligned with Susan Kody.

Factionalism will not be tolerated
State Secretary MV Govindan stated that the Karunagappally Area Committee was dissolved as part of the CPM's firm stance of no tolerance towards factionalism. He noted that apart from Karunagappally, 18 other areas faced challenges during the conduct of their conferences, prompting direct intervention by the state centre.

An ad-hoc committee will investigate the issues in Karunagappally and submit a report. If it is proven that leaders were involved in the disputes, strict action will be taken. Govindan also emphasized the need to take the BJP's growth seriously and called for measures to counter the increase in BJP votes in areas like Chathannoor and Karunagappally.

In response to criticisms from delegates, Govindan pointed out that Mohammed Riyas is a leader who has risen from the grassroots and is deserving of the ministerial position. He also said that EP Jayarajan was removed from the position of LDF Convener as part of disciplinary action.