MADURAI: It is almost certain that M.A. Baby will become the new General Secretary of CPM. Although the agreement was reached in the PB meeting held last night, the party congress will give official approval today.

Apart from M.A. Baby, the names of PB member Ashok Dhawale from Maharashtra and Raghavulu from Andhra Pradesh were heard from the beginning for consideration to the post of General Secretary. Raghavulu had given an indication in the press conference the other day that he would not run for the post of General Secretary.

Apart from the Kerala members, M.A. Baby had the support of PB coordinator Prakash Karat and others. Moreover, Baby is one of the senior members of PB.

The argument is that if a member from Kerala, having a strong foundation and continuous role in the party, becomes its General Secretary, it will have a decisive impact on the growth of the organization. This is the main reason Baby is being preferred.

No relaxation in age limit

Meanwhile, the PB meeting held last night decided not to relax the age limit set for CPM office bearers. Although a detailed discussion was held on who the new General Secretary will be, the final decision will be taken in the Central Committee meeting to be held at 8.30 am tomorrow.

The PB meeting also agreed to continue the age relaxation previously granted to Pinarayi Vijayan as the Chief Minister. However, the final decision on this matter will be taken in tomorrow's Central Committee. The Bengal unit's position that there should be no relaxation in age limit was accepted. Accordingly, six people, including Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, will have to resign from the PB.

Culminating today

The 24th CPM Party Congress will culminate today. Around 10,000 people will participate in the Red Volunteer March that will start near the Madurai Pandi temple at 3 pm today. Then at 5 pm, a public meeting will be held at the Madurai Vandiyur Ring Road Junction Ground. CPM Tamil Nadu State Secretary P. Shanmugham will preside. Apart from the new General Secretary, Prakash Karat, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior leaders Brinda Karat, G. Ramakrishnan, Central Committee members K. Balakrishnan, U. Vasuki, P. Sampath and others will speak.