THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is almost confirmed that Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will be removed from the post of CPM state secretary following his ill health. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called on state secretary Kodiyeri resting at his home the other day. The party had convened emergency leadership meeting to discuss the removal of Kodiyeri from the party leadership. The state secretariat and committee meetings will be held today and tomorrow. General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and senior politburo member Prakash Karat will be attending the meetings.

As Kodiyeri needs treatment and rest, there has been a directive in the party to replace him. Though tired, the leader had attended the day to day affairs of the party till yesterday. However, he expressed interest in stepping down from the post for further treatment. He will soon fly to Chennai for treatment. Kodiyeri chosen secretary in the state meet in Kochi has another two and a half years’ term. Senior leaders met Kodiyeri this morning and informed the party's decision. General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and politburo member M A Baby met Kodiyeri this morning.

Who will replace Kodiyeri
As it almost sure that Kodiyeri will step down from the post, the question of who will replace him is being raised in the party. The party will give importance to the opinion of Kodiyeri. When Kodiyeri stepped down from the post earlier citing health issues, LDF convenor A Vijayaraghavan was given the temporary post. Reports said politburo member Vijayaraghavan and central committee members’ E P Jayarajan and A K Balan are considered for the post. There are plans to give the charge to one or more secretariat members on a temporary basis.

Apart from changing the party secretary, important issues affecting the government will also be discussed in the meeting. The vital thing is the disputes with the governor. This is an unusual situation where the governor is clashing with the government which has never happened in the history of the state. The CPM feels that this is a serious issue at the national level. The crisis created by the fishermen's strike led by the Latin Archdiocese against the construction of Vizhinjam port is also likely to be discussed.