M V Govindan just a facade, real power still with Pinarayi Vijayan

KOLLAM: The CPM state conference in Kollam reaffirmed CM Pinarayi Vijayan's status as the numero uno within his party. In the façade, M V Govindan is the state CPM secretary, but Pinarayi Vijayan will pull the strings. Like Kodiyeri's time, the Kerala CPM will continue to work according to Pinarayi Vijayan’s dictum.

Although criticism was leveled against State Secretary M.V. Govindan at the representative meeting, no one pointed a finger at the Chief Minister. In the district meetings, there was strong criticism against the police under the Home Department, which is handled by the Chief Minister.

The chief minister’s interpretation of CPM leaders manhandling Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala rally drew flak in the district conferences, but the same topic didn’t even make it to the state conference. This speaks volumes of the control Pinarayi wields over his comrades.

The previous LDF governments were led by the party, whereas now, the Kerala chief minister will be leading his party, not otherwise. Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the CPM has decided to make major policy changes to overcome the current economic crisis and enhance the image of the Pinarayi government in the field of development.

As in the last Ernakulam conference, in Kollam too, the Nava Kerala plan presented by the Chief Minister received greater importance than the state secretary's work report. The general sentiment at the conference was that Pinarayi should be given a relaxation in the age limit.

The opinion of CPM’s Bengal and Kerala faction will be crucial in deciding the new General Secretary at the upcoming Madurai Party Congress. Veteran M.A. Baby is being considered for the post of General Secretary. Pinarayi Vijayan's stance will be crucial in ensuring the support of the Kerala faction for M.A. Baby.