THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat has directed the government to hold discussions with the protesters, after evaluating that ignoring the public sentiment and opposing taking advantage of it would result in a setback. Today at the official level, a discussion with job seekers is likely.

The party's suggestion is not to create the impression that young people are being ignored with the election on the horizon. The government should intervene if it hopes to end the agitation, as it is certain that the opposition will continue to agitate until the election announcement is made.

Earlier talks were held between DYFI and some senior officials in the CM's office but to no avail. The advantage for job seekers is that they get official assurances from the government in writing during official discussions. But what matters is their position.

Last week, the CPM secretariat had suggested a compromise. Subsequently, the regularization was stopped and about 4,000 posts were created.

The CPI leadership had also suggested that the strike be settled. The AIYF also demanded government intervention. The Chief Minister informed the CPM and CPI leaders that the discussion was irrelevant as maximum intervention had been made for the candidates. However, the sentiment that the Opposition's exploitation and the emotional issue of unemployment could become a discussion among the public, which won't be good with election days up close.

Doubts arose in the Secretariat as to whether the decision to hold ministerial talks would lead to a new demand to hold it with the Chief Minister. It is learned that it was then that an approach was taken to hold a discussion at the official level.