A recent public protest by a group of sympathisers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] near Vadakara over the recent reconstitution of the district committee of the party at recently held district conference has led to debates over the “re-emergence of factionalism” in the organisation.
The protest was held on Monday (February 3) night at Maniyoor. Some posters criticising the party leadership were also found near Pazhankavu. Those behind the posters and the protest reportedly were unhappy about the exclusion of P.K. Divakaran, a veteran leader from Vadakara, from the district committee.
According to them, a “planned attempt” had been made by a section of “autocrats” to remove their “popular leader” from the post. At the district conference held at Vadakara from January 29 to 31, at least 11 people, including Mr. Divakaran, were excluded from the 47-member district committee and 13 new leaders were included. Reasons such as the infusion of young blood and the mandatory age limit of 75 years were cited.
The district CPI(M) leadership, however, does not attach any significance to the event. “It is true that a group of party sympathisers held a public demonstration at Maniyoor. However, there is no factionalism as such. Mr. Divakaran has disowned it, and the local leadership will resolve the issue,” M. Mehboob, the newly elected district secretary told The Hindu on Wednesday (February 5).
Earlier, the district committee, in a press release on Tuesday (February 4), said baseless campaigns were being spread on the social media and the mainstream media about the district conference. It was pointed out that the election of the 47 district committee members was done in a democratic manner and it was approved by all the delegates, including Mr. Divakaran.
Published - February 05, 2025 11:37 pm IST
