MADURAI: KK Shailaja is likely to be considered for the CPM Politburo. She is the top candidate from Kerala in terms of consideration for this post. Her chances are boosted by the resignation of two women Politburo members, Brinda Karat and Subhashini Ali. Alongside Shailaja, K Radhakrishnan, Thomas Isaac, and EP Jayarajan are also potential candidates for the Polit Bureau.

Shailaja is seen as the most senior leader in the Central Committee. However, the final decision will be made at the Madurai Party Congress. Other possible candidates include Mariam Dhawale from Maharashtra and U Vasuki from Tamil Nadu, both members of the Central Committee.

Meanwhile, the CPM Central Committee is meeting in Madurai today to review amendments to the draft political resolution and political review report. These will be discussed at the 24th Party Congress, which begins tomorrow. Torch relay, a prelude to the congress, will also reach Madurai today. The party congress will take place at Tamukkam Maidan from April 2 to 6.

The Central Committee will review amendments from across the country to the draft political resolution. This draft, released by coordinator and Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat in February, highlighted the CPM's political and ideological weaknesses in confronting the BJP in Kerala. It also noted the lack of grassroots growth in the party base. The draft suggests continuing the political line of avoiding election agreements, except for alliances with the Congress in the secular front. Central leaders from Delhi are expected to arrive in Madurai this afternoon, while Kerala leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will arrive in the evening.