CPM retrial strips Govinda Pillai of posts over remarks

The posts Pillai lost included the editorship of Sanchayika (complete works of E.M.S.) and lead writer in party organ, Deshabhimani.

This is the second time that Pillai has been dropped from the party committee. The first time was in the late 70s. Pillai was also publicly censured twice (once for writing an article criticising the Chinese government on the Tianenmen Square episode).

CPM general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet and politburo member S. Ramachandran Pillai attended the state committee meeting and the party secretariat which began on August 21.

A statement issued after the meeting said the party was forced to take sterner action against Pillai as the party cadre expressed dissatisfaction over the earlier action taken against him. The June 30 state committee had publicly censured Pillai for the interview.

‘‘Pillai provided enough room for the media to tarnish the image of the party by speculative reports. PG’s attitude invited strong criticism from all party committees from the grassroots. The party has decided to drop PG from the state committee besides divesting him of all posts he holds in the party,’’ the statement said.

Talking to mediapersons later, Pillai said he will continue to be a loyal party worker. ‘‘I accept the decision. Whatever assignment the party entrusts me with will be carried out,’’ he said.

Pillai said he regretted the views expressed by him on the late E.M.S. in the interview were misunderstood. He also said many mistakes had crept into the text of the interview.