Kochi: The Communist Party of India, the second largest constituent in the ruling Left Democratic Front, came in for severe criticism at the CPM State Conference here on Wednesday.
The CPI was criticised over the 'pattaya mela' — or the drive to hand over title deeds — in Idukki. K V Sasi, a delegate from Idukki, alleged that the 'mela' had become a stage for corruption.
Sasi also deplored the lukewarm response from the people to the much-publicised title-deed distribution drive.
CPI embarked on a fund-raising drive under the cover of the mela, which stripped the fest of its sheen, Sasi said while addressing the delegates.
The Idukki delegate also accused CPI leaders of indulging in corruption. The CPI has been holding the Revenue portfolio in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet.
Another delegate demanded the party leadership to adopt a stand against the CPI, which has been frequently breaching coalition ethics. The CPI has been claiming credit for the government's achievements, but blamed the CPM for any shortfalls, he said.
'Police against government and party'
The State police department, too, came under fire in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been holding the Home portfolio. Panoli Valsan, a delegate from Kannur, targeted the "anti-Marxists" in the police force. They have been acting against the government and party line that the police should be impartial and free.
Several others pointed out that the party workers were not getting justice from the police force.
On trade unions, investment
Voices of dissent were also heard against the militant conduct of trade unions. Chief Minister Vijayan himself had criticised the trade unions for obstructing industrial growth.
The conference will, on Thursday, debate the chief minister's policy statement that calls for corrective measures in workers' unions so as to aid the growth of industries. The statement has also included recommendations for inviting private and foreign investment in the industrial sector.
The conference also concluded the debate on the report presented by the party State Secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
