THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An organizer capable of leading the party from wrong to right by emphasizing the scientific basis of communism. A leader who is willing to make corrections despite being firm. It has been a year today since MV Govindan took over as CPM State Secretary.

Govinda has a rough exterior, though simplicity may be perceived by those who know him closely. Kodiyeri had the magic to charm bystanders with a single smile, but Govindan is a miser when it comes to smiling. The anniversary of Govindan's secretaryship comes in the first trying days after taking over as party secretary. Puthuppally by-election is just days away. Despite the reality that the UDF may gain the upper hand on the strength of the sentimentality of Oommen Chandy, Govindan Master's stance is iron-clad.

When Kodiyeri succumbed to health, the picture that party members had in mind as a replacement was that of EP Jayarajan. The dynamics of flow in the CPM stream are beyond the reach of even astrologers. The Janakeeya Prathirodha Jatha organized to strengthen the party made Govinda a hotbed of controversy. The most noted controversy was when the mic set did not work when Govindan started speaking at Mala in Thrissur and he reprimanded the mic operator. The iron fist of corrections was seen by the leaders and members of Palakkad, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

"The fact that the party has continued to govern has increased my responsibility. Correction will be made where necessary. Party is most important.'

- MV Govindan