CPM's Shailaja Emphasizes Collective Decision-Making on Candidature
Kozhikode: In a significant statement addressing internal party dynamics, CPM central committee member and former health minister K K Shailaja clarified that individual leaders in her party do not have the authority to express personal preferences regarding electoral candidature. She emphasized that such decisions are made collectively by the party after thorough discussions, reflecting CPM's democratic and unified approach.
Shailaja's Candidature in Peravoor Aligns with Party Policy
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Shailaja explained that her candidature in Peravoor is in strict accordance with the party's established policy. This policy states that MLAs who have represented a stronghold constituency for two consecutive terms should not continue from the same seat. "My candidature in Peravoor is a party decision. In our party, we do not have personal preferences, and we cannot declare our desire to contest from a particular seat. The decision is taken collectively by the party based on the prevailing political situation," she stated firmly.
Rebel Claims of Sidelining Dismissed
Responding to remarks by rebel leader T K Govindan, who alleged that she was shifted from Mattannur to Peravoor to sideline her, Shailaja categorically denied such claims. She asserted that no one within the party had made such an accusation, highlighting the transparency of the process. She further elaborated that the party intended for DYFI state president V K Sanoj, a native of Mattannur, to enter the legislative assembly, showcasing the party's strategic planning for new leadership.
"It is not necessary that I should contest. Still, the party asked me to contest and be a part of the assembly," Shailaja added, noting the party's trust in her by previously awarding her the stronghold seat of Koothuparamba in her first election when she was merely an area committee member.
Rebel Leaders' Exit Viewed Seriously by CPM
On the issue of party leaders like G Sudhakaran, T K Govindan, and V Kunhikrishnan ending their long association with CPM and contesting as rebels with UDF support, Shailaja described it as a rare development. She revealed that the party is viewing the matter with utmost seriousness. "There have been instances in the past where leaders left the party, mostly due to differences over policy. But what has happened now is not of that nature. It appears to be driven by personal reasons and, more importantly, they are seeking support from a front whose policies they had opposed all along," she explained.
Shailaja maintained that these developments were not due to any shortcomings on the part of the party, affirming that its positions and decisions are correct. This stance underscores CPM's confidence in its internal mechanisms and ideological consistency amidst challenges.
