CPI district conferences to conclude on Saturday; state conference to be held in Alappuzha from September 8 to 12

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Pathanamthitta district conference ending on Saturday, the CPI will now move to the state conference, held in the run-up to the party’s 25th national congress. The state conference will be in Alappuzha from September 8 to 12.

Strong criticism was voiced against the state leadership and ministers’ performance in most district conferences. This is expected to be reflected in the state conference as well. While Binoy Viswam is likely to continue as state secretary, changes in the state council are anticipated. Leaders above the 75-year age limit may be excluded.

Delegates repeatedly alleged that the CPI has lost its former image of taking firm stands, accusing the party of yielding to the CPM and accepting front decisions without debate. Former state secretaries, they said, had acted in line with party workers’ sentiments without bowing to CPM pressure. Binoy Viswam’s approach was described as softer, though he received praise for his firm stand on the brewery issue and the ADGP Ajith Kumar case.

The party’s ministers also came under scrutiny. Revenue Minister K. Rajan faced criticism over the slow implementation of promises and corruption in his department. Agriculture Minister P. Prasad was targeted over unpaid dues to paddy farmers in Palakkad and Alappuzha. G.R. Anil was criticised for price hikes and shortages of essential goods. Dairy Minister Chinchurani faced flak for the crisis in the dairy sector.

There was also dissatisfaction over the sidelining of popular leaders like former minister V.S. Sunil Kumar and P.S. Supal. Many alleged that removing well-connected leaders over internal differences has demoralised party workers.

CPI district conference: DYFI faces criticism

At the Pathanamthitta district conference in Konni, delegates accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of acting like an autocrat and said even CPI ministers bowed to him. The Nava Kerala Sadas programme was criticised as ineffective, and the handling of opposition protests against it was labelled inappropriate.

They pointed out that just as the Left had protested against the UDF government, the Congress has the right to protest against the LDF government. They questioned why DYFI workers attacked Congress members who opposed the Nava Kerala Sadas. The criticism came mainly from delegates from Ranni, Adoor, and Konni constituencies.