In a letter, veteran leader Achuthanandan questioned CPI(M)’s stand on recent contentious issues. (Source: Express archive)
In another bout of factional war, CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Kerala Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan are locked in a war of words on the eve of the party’s state conference.
The conflict has been triggered by a note Achuthanandan sent to the party central leadership, questioning the state unit’s stand on a number of contentious issues, including a rebel leader’s murder in 2012.
After a meeting of the party secretariat in Alappuzha, where the three-day conference would begin on Friday, Vijayan told media that Achuthanandan has stooped to anti-party mentality. He has been repeatedly violating party discipline. His note to the party leadership smacks of factionalism and was untimely. He had been removed from the Politburo in 2009 after repeated violations of party discipline. The central committee would look into the latest incident,” he added.
Soon after Vijayan’s statements appeared in the media, Achuthanandan retorted, “I heard he has stated that I had adopted some cheap stand. I reject his words with contempt. During the season of party conference, the central committee has asked the party units not to initiate action against anyone. I had sent the letter to the Politburo and I expect reply from that body. My stand would depend on the Politburo’s reply,” said Achuthanandan.
The secretariat on Thursday passed a resolution explaining Achuthanandan’s anti-party approach towards issues discussed at party forums. In his note to the central leadership, Achuthanandan had questioned the party’s stand that it was not involved in the conspiracy behind the murder of rebel leader T P Chandrasekharan. Besides, he had blamed Vijayan for the exit of RSP from the LDF over denial of seat in the last Lok Sabha elections and abrupt ending of LDF agitation against Congress government in the solar scam.
The secretariat resolution said the veteran leader’s contention was baseless and the decision regarding solar agitation was taken in his presence. It said Achuthanandan was already warned by the central committee to go with the collective decision of the party. Despite that, he has been maintaining his rebellious approach, said the resolution.
Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India.
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Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes:
Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.
Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules.
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In a letter, veteran leader Achuthanandan questioned CPI(M)’s stand on recent contentious issues. (Source: Express archive)
