Party cadre hold flags with image of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the conclusion of the CPM state meet on Sunday. Pinarayi flayed use of his photographs on the flag during his speech. Thrissur: As the curtains came down on its state conference in Thrissur, the CPM now faces the daunting task of giving the party and the government a much-needed facelift.
Aimed at regaining its image, the conference decided to look into the shortcomings of the government and face the political challenges coming its way.
Top on the party’s agenda is the revamp of the ministry and expansion of the Left front. With the conference giving a go-ahead to both, the party will try to induct K M Mani-led Kerala Congress and other smaller parties. While the party is aiming at regaining its image with the ministry revamp, the expansion will ensure continuous governance in the state.
New ministers
The demand that some of the leaders retire on their own and make way for others found common ground at the conference. Some ministers faced severe criticism from MLAs and other particiapnts during the debates. The performance of the ministers was reviewed twice earlier by the state committee. The conference was told that the shortcomings pointed out then are yet to be addressed.
Rumors have started flying thick about those who are going to lose their ministerial posts after delegates demanded the re-induction of central committee member E P Jayarajan and the induction of several organizational-level leaders into the ministry.
Government projects
The next priority for the party is the adoption of schemes announced by the government. From cleaning of water bodies to providing palliative care, the party has plans aplenty to boost its image.
The leadership has finally accepted the fact that the CPM is losing touch with people and it is no more seen as a poor people's party. The Shuhaib murder in Kannur has dealt a body blow to the party. The party will find it tough to absolve itself from the murder as the investigation into the crime progresses.
After Chengannur by-election, the Lok Sabha polls are not far away. If the party couldn't retain Chengannur, the party will have to take the blame.
Need both CPI, Mani
The CPM leadership will try to bring K M Mani and others into the Left front. The only hurdle to this is the objections raised by alliance partner CPI. From the statements made by party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, it is clear that the party is trying to induct Mani without upsetting the CPI.
