Former MLA V Chenthamarakshan takes over as the new district secretary of CPM in Palakkad after the party removed E N Suresh Babu (left) from the post on Sunday.
LDF suffered crushing defeats in Chittur, Kongad and Thrithala constituencies during the recent assembly elections, resulting in a substantial drop of over 67,000 votes compared to the 2021 elections.
Chenthamarakshan also told reporters that the party had not officially received any formal complaint against Suresh Babu. Palakkad : In an unprecedented organisational move, CPM has removed E N Suresh Babu from the post of Palakkad district secretary. Former MLA V Chenthamarakshan is the new district secretary. Suresh Babu’s sudden ouster follows serious political setbacks and internal turmoil within the party’s traditional stronghold. During the high-level meeting — attended by CPM state secretary M V Govindan — the committee members fiercely criticised Suresh Babu’s leadership style, citing immaturity, arrogance and a severe failure to curb factionalism and rebel activities. Adding to the political pressure, reports emerged that a woman lawyer had recently submitted digital evidence directly to CPM top brass regarding a misconduct complaint against Suresh Babu, warning of immediate legal action if the party failed to intervene. Following these developments, the party reportedly directed him to step down. As part of a broader organisational shake-up to restore grassroots-level confidence, the party has inducted eight new members into the district committee, while elevating six area secretaries as special invitees, including DYFI district president Sheebi Krishna. The structural overhaul underscores CPM’s urgency to resolve internal rifts and rebuild its electoral foundation.
The decision, finalised during an extended district committee meeting on Sunday, marks the first time a district secretary has been replaced mid-term as part of the party’s corrective measures.