CPM state leadership meeting to commence from today, relevant issues will be discussed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the conflict between the governor and the government, the three-day crucial leadership meeting of the CPM is starting from today. The state secretariat is on today and the state committee is on tomorrow and the day after. This is the first state leadership meeting held after Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's demise.

The political controversy following the decision to increase pension age will be discussed. State secretary MV Govindan said that the decision was taken without discussing it in the party and added that the issue will be inspected in detail.

Yesterday, the governor responded in a harsh language to the Chief Minister's criticisms on the university issue. The governor said that Pinarayi Vijayan is an unreliable leader and signalled that he would not compromise on the issue.

The CPM is trying to take up this issue to the national level by including opposition parties alleging that the central government is trying to put pressure on non-BJP states using governors. According to the Central Committee meeting held on the previous day, it has been decided for a program involving various opposition party leaders. A campaign program based on federalism was also decided. The DMK government in Tamil Nadu has also decided to submit a joint petition to the President to withdraw the Governor.

In Kerala, CPM has started protest conventions on regional basis against the Governor's actions. On the 15th, there is a Raj Bhavan march of one lakh people.

In the current situation, there is concern that the governor will approve the policy address to be presented in the assembly early next year. If it is not accepted, then the government will try to proceed legally. It could lead to an unprecedented legal battle.