Thiruvananthapuram: Calls for a leadership change have intensified within the Communist Party of India (CPI) following its poor performance in the Kerala assembly elections, with growing dissent targeting state secretary Binoy Viswam. Party sources indicate that demands to replace Viswam have gained traction ahead of crucial executive and secretariat meetings scheduled for Tuesday.
Flawed Candidate Selection Blamed
Within the party, there is a strong assessment that flawed candidate selection played a key role in the electoral setback. Criticism has mounted over the leadership's alleged rigidity in finalizing candidates, with constituencies such as Nadapuram, Thrissur, Adoor, and Peermade cited as examples where decisions backfired. In Nadapuram, C N Chandran was initially included in the candidate list, but the state leadership intervened to field P Vasantham instead. The move to field Vasantham, who is the wife of assistant secretary Satyan Mokeri, triggered allegations of favouritism and drew sharp criticism within party ranks.
Historical Context and Setbacks
Party insiders note that CPI has not faced such a setback since 2001, when it managed to win only seven seats. Although the party secured eight seats this time, it contested 25 constituencies, effectively winning only about a third of them. The situation was further compounded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) capturing one seat traditionally won by CPI.
Anti-Incumbency Concerns Ignored
Sources said that concerns over rising anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were flagged multiple times within CPI state leadership forums, particularly during the Lok Sabha and local body elections. It was reportedly the responsibility of Viswam to convey these concerns to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leadership. However, critics allege that he failed to effectively discharge this role, contributing to the current situation.
Upcoming Leadership Meetings
Both CPI and CPM are set to hold key leadership meetings starting Tuesday to assess the reasons for the defeat and chart the way forward. The meetings are expected to review the electoral strategy and address internal dissent.
