Factionalism to the fore in CPI unit in Idukki

With another Assembly election round the corner, factionalism within the Communist Party of India (CPI) has reared its head again in Idukki.

District council and Mandalam committee members have resigned from the party to join the CPI(M) and the Congress.

In the latest blow to the party, CPI district council member and district secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Kerala, Joy Vadakkedam, resigned and joined the Congress. This follows last week’s departure of five local CPI leaders in Vandiperiyar, who moved to the CPI(M).

According to party sources, the rift widened following the re-election of K. Salimkumar as district secretary. “Currently, the CPI is functioning under a ‘group manager’ style of leadership that has sidelined most trusted party workers,” a source alleged.

“The secretary is appointing only his supporters to party councils. In the present situation, we can no longer continue with the party,” said the source.

Sources also pointed to the party’s recent poor performance in local body elections, expressing doubts whether the CPI can retain the Peerumade seat in the upcoming assembly polls.

“The party has historically won this seat with the support of the CPI(M) and other allies. However, the situation in Peerumade is now critical. In past elections, a dedicated group of workers drove the campaign to victory, but following the sudden demise of Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman, the party machinery in the constituency has weakened significantly,” said a senior leader.

The leader further said that while the State leadership is aware of the factionalism in Idukki, State Secretary Binoy Viswam has yet to intervene effectively.

“ K.K. Sivaraman, the former district secretary and long-time face of the party in Idukki, recently announced his retirement from active politics, citing the current situation,” said the leader.

However, CPI District Secretary K. Salimkumar dismissed the allegations of growing factionalism. “Those who recently joined the CPI(M) were actually expelled for working against the LDF during the local body elections,” Mr. Salimkumar claimed.

Regarding Mr Vadakkedam’s exit, he stated in his resignation letter that he had no time for party work due to family requirements. While some are leaving, many people are joining the party,” said Mr. Salimkumar.

“ The party machinery remains strong in Idukki. The election work for the Peerumade constituency has already commenced.” he said.