CPI-M Chief Stung: Pinarayi Vijayan’s Rise to Power Sparks Allegations of Undue Influence

Kollam: A former high-ranking leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), C.P. John, has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of transforming the party into an extension of the government and turning the administration into a mere arm of the party.

According to John, Vijayan has consolidated absolute control over both the party and the administration, effectively “castrating” party leaders and discouraging dissenting voices. He believes that the current state conference of the CPI-M is being hijacked by Vijayan, with a focus on government programs rather than the party’s future.

John, who parted ways with the CPI-M in the mid-1980s along with his mentor, the late M.V. Raghavan, claims that the current leadership has abandoned the party’s core values. He points to the recent introduction of proposals that contradict the party’s traditional stances, including a cess for government services, significant changes in the education sector, and the involvement of the private sector in reviving struggling public sector enterprises.

Drawing parallels with the fate of the CPI-M in West Bengal, John warns that the Kerala unit is at risk of meeting a similar downfall. “This is exactly what happened in West Bengal, and we all know where the party stands there now,” he said. “With the state conference rubber-stamping Vijayan’s proposals without a murmur, no party worker dares to raise their voice, fearing the consequences.”

John, who now heads the Communist Marxist Party, is a key ally of the Congress-led UDF and is widely regarded as one of the party’s main strategists. His criticism of Vijayan’s leadership has sparked concern among party loyalists, who fear the loss of democratic space within the organization. The controversy has also left many wondering if the CPI-M will soon become a mere extension of the government, rather than a robust, independent party.

As the state conference continues, observers will be watching closely to see if John’s criticism will have any impact on the party’s future or if Vijayan’s grip on the organization will continue to tighten. With the stakes high, the outcome is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the party’s direction and the state’s political landscape.

Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/national-news/chief-minister-pinarayi-vijayan-has-hijacked-cpi-m-cp-john
Category : National News
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 09:14:00