The public statement by CPM politburo member and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan that people who voted against the party’s candidates in the recent assembly election had committed a grave mistake and should be ready to correct themselves is a stupid argument. At most, it reflects a patriarch’s befuddled musings when faced with overwhelming challenges in the autumn of his life. But it places a huge burden on CPM, which is already struggling to prove its currency and character in a fast-changing world.
CPM has called an extended state committee meeting in Kozhikode from Sept 13 to 15 to discuss measures to improve public trust.
The report said LDF overemphasised development and welfare and erred in candidate selection in Payyannur and Taliparamba. “Despite knowing that Vijayan holds an unquestionable position in CPM, I too wish the party would assert its identity over Vijayan and undergo a process of self-correction,” said political scientist and author Prof J Prabhash. He said CPM functionaries’ refusal to drop their arrogance and live by Leftist values would soon render Left politics deadwood. Such a scenario could do more damage than good to our society, he said. We should suspect that the emphasis on this non-existent post is a ploy to divert attention from criticism of CPI’s leadership,” said academic and social critic Damodar Prasad.
It admitted that allegations of arrogance, corruption, nepotism and affluent lifestyles among some leaders and cadres had damaged public trust. CPM can either change or perish. The party has periodically eliminated critical voices that should have worked as the agents of change. Those who remain in the party are subservient to Vijayan. “CPI leadership has been trying to deviate from self-critical analysis by shifting the discussion to the non-existent post of deputy opposition leader.