CPI(M) report links Palakkad defeats to factionalism and vote losses

Factionalism within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) contributed to its electoral defeats in Thrithala and Kongad, according to an organisational report presented at the party’s Palakkad district conference. District secretary E.N. Suresh Babu presented the report on Saturday after State secretary M.V.

Govindan inaugurated the conference at the district committee office. The report said internal divisions, together with the consolidation of minority votes, had contributed to the defeat of M.B. Rajesh in Thrithala.

In Kongad, it said the party had lost a significant portion of its traditional vote. The report also recorded a decline in support in panchayats where the CPI(M) has a strong organisational base. It did not provide vote totals or identify the leaders involved in the alleged factional disputes.

The document raised further concerns about alleged involvement by some CPI(M) leaders in illegal land deals in Attappady. It called for the disclosure of leaders’ assets and criticised what it described as increasingly close links between the party and real-estate interests. These allegations were presented in the organisational report; the source material did not include responses from the individuals concerned.

Mr Govindan said differences among party leaders had contributed to defeats in Thrithala, Kongad and some other constituencies. He also criticised the functioning of the district secretariat. Delegates were due to continue the general discussion on the report on Sunday, followed by replies from State and district leaders.

A public rally was also scheduled in the town, with Mr Govindan due to inaugurate it. The report’s final recommendations were not provided.