It’s premature to say that the ruling CPI(M) is heading for a split in Kerala.
It’s premature to say that the ruling CPI(M) is heading for a split in Kerala. But all the signs are present: two veteran politburo members — chief minister VS Achuthanandan and state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan — who are constantly at each other’s throat; mercenaries comprising trade unionists to writers indulging in cult worship and character assassination; cadre vertically divided over issues of policy and leadership; a dominant faction purging challenging comrades; and the sidelined faction organising shadow committees anticipating a split.
On Tuesday, a bunch of former CPI(M) members announced the formation of a committee of “Leftists and democrats” to take on both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front.
“We would work for the people disillusioned by all parties. Our ideal is democracy. Our concern is the future and development of the people. Democratic movements have to be protected,” Left Coordination Committee chairman Appukuttan Vallikunnu told media in Kochi.
The collective comprises former CPI(M) ideologues like Appukuttan, Azad and Berlin Kunjananthan Nair as well as popular leaders like M R Murali, TP Chandrasekharan and TL Santosh.
Though CPI(M) has withstood desertion by veterans like M V Raghavan and K R Gowri, the current formation becomes interesting with the presence of young leaders who successfully defied the party across the state. Making things worse for CPI(M), all of them are ardent fans of the embattled Achuthanandan.
The rebels’ collective assumes significance in the wake of Achuthanandan’s firm refusal to back Vijayan, who is involved in a corruption case probed by the CBI. He even defied the politburo’s directive to participate in the latter’s ongoing road show ahead of the general elections.
Though the committee avers that Lok Sabha polls is not on its agenda, the platform would be a natural launch pad for Achuthanandan, if he decides to quit CPI(M).
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