Unity during the age of Kodiyeri

The atmosphere in the run-up to the 2015 CPI(M) State Conference at Alappuzha was tense. Pinarayi Vijayan, who completed three terms as State Secretary, was getting ready to step down. The unusual press meet conducted by Pinarayi Vijayan just before the meeting was targeted against VS Achuthanandan. The agenda of the conference was set at that press meet.

During the conference, VS Achuthanandan had to leave the venue after being criticized severely. Challenging the party discipline openly and left for his official residence of the opposition leader in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was then made the State Secretary of CPI(M) replacing Pinarayi Vijayan. The tense mood of sectarianism prevailing in the conference gradually turned calm with his diplomacy.

Kodiyeri was able to bring back the party. There was even a fear of a breakup in the party. The party forgave VS Achuthanandan for his indiscipline. Without informing anyone, Kodiyeri visited Achuthanandan early the next morning.

The biggest example that Achuthanandan was always influenced by the love of Kodiyeri was during the 2008 Coimbatore Party Congress when Kodiyeri was raised as a Polit Bureau member with the support of Achuthanandan.

The Left Democratic Front came to power for the second time the next year after Kodiyeri was made the State Secretary. Pinarayi Vijayan became the Chief Minister. The party and the government moved in one direction. Kodiyeri’s diplomacy was seen in the left front as well. The resignation of Thomas Chandy from the cabinet led to an uproar from CPI ministers and their threats of resignation.

However, Kodiyeri handled the issue with care and answered them suitably. Thus he was able to gain the support of CPI.

The role of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan is huge in bringing back MP Veerendra Kumar’s Dal faction and also the INL into the LDF is crucial. He was also instrumental in bringing KM Mani’s party into the left fold before the 2021 elections. After Mani’s death tussle broke out between Joseph and Jose K Mani's factions. Realizing the importance of the Mani group’s influence in Central Travancore, Kodiyeri was able to bring Jose K Mani faction into the left front. He also mitigated the CPI’s criticisms of bringing Jose K Mani into the front.

Kodiyeri’s welcoming nature and diplomacy were able to keep the party united and lead it to a second consecutive victory in the legislative election.