The decision could have far-reaching political ramifications when the BJP is resurgent and the Opposition a divided lot
After a three-day brainstorming session, CPM's Central Committee rejected its general secretary Sitaram Yechury's line to tie-up with the Congress to fight the BJP in 2019. The decision could have far-reaching political ramifications when the BJP is resurgent and the Opposition a divided lot.
A draft resolution was ratified and adopted by the CPM in its third meeting of the Central Committee on Sunday, nearly four months after deliberations over it started and continued through three Politburo meetings.
While a party faction led by Prakash Karat had a clear edge in the Central Committee meeting, Yechury, who strongly backed the idea of putting up a joint fight with the Congress against the BJP in the next general elections, later said that the party will have the final say on the draft political resolution.
Sources within the party said it was put to consensus whether the party would follow Yechury's line to tie-up with the Congress or, according to the Prakash Karat line, maintain equal distance with the BJP and the Congress.
"In spite of being backed by Bengal, Tripura, a faction of Tamil Nadu and also ex-CM of Kerala, VS Achuthanandan, Yechury's line was defeated 55:31, the draft resolution being ratified by Karat's line which was backed by the entire Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and CITU lobby," said a senior party member.
He also said that after the defeat, Yechury expressed his desire to step down from the post of the general secretary.
"What is the need for me to continue," he was quoted as saying.
YECHURY UPSET
- Apparently, Yechury expressed his desire to step down from the post of the general secretary after the defeat. But the party did not accept his offer
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