KC(M) voices growing discontent with CPI(M)

The relationship between the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] appears to be under increasing strain, with a meeting of the KC(M) secretariat witnessing strong criticism of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan.

During the meeting, held here on Friday, several members voiced concern that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) had taken the KC(M) for granted and had failed to accord due consideration to its constituent parties. Particular resentment was expressed over the allocation of positions in the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association. Members pointed out that although the Opposition front secured 20 seats in the association, not a single position was allotted to the KC(M).

The secretariat decided to formally convey its protest by submitting letters to the CPI(M) State secretary and the LDF convener. The meeting also reiterated the view that the political positions adopted by Mr. Vijayan and Mr. Govindan had contributed to the LDF’s electoral setback. The participants observed that both leaders had struggled to retain support even within their respective districts. Questions were also raised over the KC(M) leadership’s failure to recognise the strong public sentiment against the two leaders during the election campaign. Some members further argued that the CPI(M) had witnessed an erosion of grassroots support, including in traditional strongholds such as Kannur.

On rubber price

A section of leaders also referred to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s Budget announcement raising the support price of rubber to ₹250 a kg. They argued that had the previous LDF government implemented a similar measure, the Congress would not have been able to claim credit for it. According to them, repeated requests from the KC(M) on the issue had gone unheeded during the LDF’s tenure, only for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government to eventually implement the demand after assuming office.

One leader remarked that fixing the support price of rubber at ₹250 a kg would not have imposed a significant financial burden on the government, particularly at a time when market prices remained considerably higher.

Members also recalled an instance in which Thomas Chazhikadan was reportedly reprimanded by Mr. Vijayan for raising the issue at a public meeting. They alleged that no senior party leader had come forward to defend his remarks at the time.