Differences have reportedly surfaced within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during a district secretariat meeting in Alappuzha, with some members demanding the removal of Pinarayi Vijayan from the post of Leader of the Opposition.
According to sources, a section of leaders questioned why “special concessions” were being repeatedly given to Pinarayi Vijayan, both during his tenure as Chief Minister and now as Opposition Leader.
Strong criticism was also reportedly directed at CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan during the meeting.
The discussion particularly focused on the party’s decision to field Govindan’s wife, P. K. Syamala, as the CPM candidate from the Taliparamba constituency. Leaders allegedly blamed her candidature for the party’s setback in the constituency.
Some members also criticised Govindan for not changing his style of functioning despite repeated criticism from within the party.
Senior CPM leaders T. M. Thomas Isaac and Saji Cherian were present at the meeting.
