CPM under fire as district conferences progress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM leadership has been taken aback by the intense criticism directed at the government and Chief Minister during district conferences, echoing and amplifying concerns raised in local and area conferences. At the Thiruvananthapuram district conference, which commenced on December 21, representatives voiced their opinions candidly, even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and State Secretary MV Govindan were seated on the stage.

Delegates agreed with the activity report's assertion that the continuity of governance has tarnished the party's reputation. The Home Department faced particularly pointed criticism, with representatives highlighting its administrative shortcomings. Similar sharp criticisms were raised against the government during earlier district conferences in Kollam, and now in Wayanad and Palakkad. Delegates voiced their concerns, stating that complaining about the lack of funds in the state does not serve any purpose and that the disruption of welfare schemes only distances people from the party. Based on experiences from the grassroots level, the delegates criticized the administration. Each minister was named specifically in the criticisms.

Delegates also pointed out that the degeneration is evident not only within the party but also in organisations like the DYFI and SFI- a claim that leaders secretly admit is true. The criticism directed at DYFI was that young people are no longer coming forward to join the organisation, which is seen as a result of the leaders' incompetence and laziness. There were also criticisms that young leaders are now only confined to the shadow of the administration. The conference highlighted a direct reflection of the failures within both the party and the administration. According to the CPM constitution, criticism and self-criticism are vital for course correction, and the leadership anticipates further strong feedback in upcoming conferences.