CPI(M) Kerala conference ends with high hopes a third term

Thiruvananthapuram: The 24th state conference of the CPI(M) in Kerala concluded in Kollam on Sunday with high hopes of scripting history by retaining power in the state for the third term in a row with Pinarayi Vijayan remaining at the helm of affairs.

Being the undisputed 'captain' of party in Kerala, the 75 age barrier and the no consecutive third term as MLA norm are unlikely to be a barrier for 80 year old Vijayan in leading the party for the third term in the 2026 assembly polls.

The approach paper for state's development presented by Vijayan was backed by the party almost unanimously, except for concerns over imposing cess or user fees for government services.

While addressing the public meeting marking to conclusion of the four day event, Vijayan justified it by blaming the centre for the financial crunches being caused to the state.

Vijayan also reportedly maintained in the inhouse discussions that cess would be considered only as an option. He also reportedly maintained that various suggestions in the approach paper, which includes allowing private participation in state public sector undertakings, could not be considered as deviation from CPI(M)'s ideologies. 

Govindan to continues as state secretary

While M V Govindan has been retained as the party state secretary, 17 new faces have been inducted into the 89 members state committee. Former health minister K K Shailaja are among those who found place in the state secretariat.

The party tried to give a strong message against factionalism by expelling woman leader from Kollam Susan Kodi from the state committee owing to the factionalism.

A former MLA from Pathanamthitta A Padmakumar openly expressed his displeasure for not being inducted to the state committee by making a social media post that what he received in return for his 52 years long work was insult and cheating. The post was later withdrawn.

Party senior leaders including former general secretary and politburo coordinator Prakash Karat were present at the Kerala state conference that assumed much significance as Kerala is the lone state where the CPI(M) is now in power.