Strong criticism has reportedly emerged within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) following the party’s heavy defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, with leaders targeting state secretary M. V. Govindan during internal party meetings.
At the CPM district secretariat meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, several members reportedly described Govindan’s leadership during the elections as a “complete failure”. Critics alleged that he failed to focus properly on the election campaign and instead concentrated more on Kannur, where his wife was contesting.
Leaders also reacted strongly to Govindan’s earlier reported remark that there were no capable leaders fit to become district secretaries. Representatives questioned how Govindan could describe them as unfit and reportedly asked when he himself had begun party activities.
Meanwhile, senior CPM leader V. Sivankutty allegedly criticised former mayor Arya Rajendran, accusing her of bringing disrepute while serving as mayor.
Sivankutty reportedly said that several women voters reacted negatively after Arya Rajendran accompanied him in a car during the election campaign. He also pointed out that a booth where the party expected a lead of 1,400 votes yielded only a five-vote lead.
