KOCHI: Kerala police had drawn severe flak at the CPM Area and District conferences. Now, the state conference too saw the delegates lashing out at the police force. During the discussion held on the activity report presented yesterday, many leaders criticized the police for tarnishing the image of the government.

According to sources, party leaders from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts criticised the police force by citing various cases, including the case where UAPA was invoked against two students in Pantheerankavu. Despite the CPM's declared stand against UAPA, the invoking of UAPA against the students raises the tone of state-run terror, the leaders said. Many delegates alleged that some policemen, who were inclined towards the RSS, were creating problems in the police force.

Meanwhile, some delegates alleged that there was confusion in the CPM central leadership's stand on the Russia- Ukraine war. There was no mention of Russia or war. The stance against war must be strengthened. Delegates from Ernakulam said that the lives of many Keralites were in danger. No one raised the matter pertaining to senior leader G Sudhakaran in Alappuzha following the leadership's direction not to wash dirty linen in public.

Kodiyeri likely to continue as state secretary
The discussion on the development policy presented by the Chief Minister will start this morning. The State Committee and Secretary will be elected tomorrow. There are indications that Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will continue in the third term as secretary. At least 12 to 15 members are likely to move out of the state committee due to the 75 years age limit and other reasons. At least 4 leaders, who have crossed the age limit, are likely to go out of the state secretariat as well.