KANNUR: The CPM has started zonal meetings where it will submit reports from the central and state committees which will critically assess the election defeat before rectification. The first meeting was held in Kannur, including Kasaragod and Kannur districts. The meeting will be held tomorrow in Kozhikode and Ernakulam regions and the next day in Kollam.
The central committee report, submitted by politburo member Prakash Karat, details the loss of votes from traditionally favourable sections, change in leadership style and blunders by the government. The government and the state leadership were criticised in harsh language. The Central Committee had earlier assessed that the defeat in Kerala should be studied in depth. Karat also presented introspective assessments of the party’s performance in the contested seats in the country.
The state committee report, submitted by state secretary MV Govindan, admitted that the foundation votes had been tainted. Actions to curb the BJP’s growth were also suggested. Leaders and local secretaries are participating in regional meetings.
In addition to regular reports on district components, zonal meetings are being held after understanding the depth of the reaction. Guidelines will be drawn up for making corrections. The upcoming party conferences will be based on these guidelines. There will be a guideline not to renew the membership of the accused.
The reports of the central and state committees submitted to the regional meetings will be reviewed at the meetings of the area and local committees. Measures will then be taken to correct the errors. After the four regional meetings, the state committee will review and finalize the corrective measures.
Criticism of the Central Committee
The election results have been disappointing. There has been a major failure to prioritize government actions. The shortfall in pension distribution has created public sentiment against the party and the government. Efforts must be made immediately to address the party’s shortcomings and further strengthen it.
Comrades should not be the center of power
MV Govindan said that comrades should not become the centre of power. He also criticised that the reason for the defeat was that the leaders were estranged from the people. “All the comrades should correct the mistake. The people should know that the mistake is being corrected. We should see the situation of the party in Bengal and Tripura. If the votes go to the BJP, they will not come back. We have to work hard to get back the votes that went to the BJP.”
