KOLLAM: Another state conference without the presence of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, who is on leave due to ill health. It is also striking that no signs of that revolution-filled life that has passed a century are seen in the conference city. VS is not seen in the pictures of former CPM Chief Ministers and leaders that are spread on the roadsides. There are pictures of Pinarayi Vijayan, M.A. Baby, late former Chief Ministers EMS, EK Nayanar, and former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Kollam is the land that had a decisive influence on the history of VS in the party. VS's protest against the party began from here. VS started the ideological protest against some of the party's positions in the Kollam conference.

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If the age limit and term limit set by the party are made mandatory, Pinarayi Vijayan will have to step down. However, the public sentiment that Pinarayi should be given a third chance for the only communist government in India to continue its rule is expected to rise in the state conference.

State Secretary MV Govindan also gave hints of this. 'The party and the government in Kerala are led by Pinarayi's strength. Therefore, he has a concession." Govindan also said that the creation of Nava Kerala is due to Pinarayi's strength. With this, it is almost certain that Pinarayi himself will lead the party in the next election as well.

Although it is the party central committee that should discuss this matter, as Pinarayi is a PB member, the states can decide on the age limit, said PB coordinator Prakash Karat . Although there is a possibility that the party will retain Pinarayi as an invitee in PB, he may be given a relaxation in the term requirement in the elections. Former Tripura Chief Minister and PB member Manik Sarkar, who is over 75, was retained in the state committee this time with a relaxation. MV Govindan is also certain to continue as the state secretary.

New faces will arrive

New faces will arrive in the state committee. Four new faces may arrive in the secretariat. If the age limit of 75 years is tightened, PK Sreemathy, AK Balan and Anavoor Nagappan will be relieved from the state secretariat. Minister MB Rajesh, Kannur district secretary MV Jayarajan and former Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan are likely to replace them. Meanwhile, the frequent dismissal of senior leader P Jayarajan from Kannur will be discussed this time. J Mercykutty Amma may arrive in the state secretariat in place of PK Sreemathy. Kadakampally Surendran's name is under active consideration in place of Anavoor Nagappan. Since EP Jayarajan and TP Ramakrishnan will not complete 75 years in January, they will continue.