Communist leadership has a familiar way of dealing with political defeats: blame the cadre rather than the leaders and their decisions, or invoke historical blunders after the damage has already been done. What is often missing is honest introspection into why people are increasingly keeping their distance from the party’s politics. Reports coming from Kozhikode now indicate that the CPI (M) latest internal review is once again placing much of the responsibility on its organisational machinery and cadres, while leaving the top state leadership largely untouched.
Reports from Kozhikode suggest that a draft document was presented by state secretary M.V. Govindan on September 13 before the extended CPM state committee meeting in Kozhikode.
It is viewed as criticism of state committee members and district committee members. The draft document reportedly said the party did not get the necessary support from its wings working in various fields. Political and organisational reasons contributed to the setback.
The document is said to have stated that the ED is trying to weaken the party by framing charges against Pinarayi Vijayan. At the same time, there is no criticism of the nomination of candidates for the Payyannoor and Talipparamba constituencies. There is only a general criticism that there was a failure in nominating the candidates.
The document reportedly blames the political activities of the state and district committee members for being inactive. State committee members could not help the district committees. They were merely participating in the committees but could not support the political and organisational activities of the district committees. The practice of leaving the place after attending a meeting should be stopped.
The document is said to have referred to the phenomenon of party members abandoning party membership. The party could not view it seriously or inquire into the real reasons behind it. Party machinery at different levels failed to gauge the undercurrents. Party cadres should have the necessary rapport with families in their respective areas and should command recognition.
State committee members should lead the organisational activities of district committees. Similarly, district committee members should lead the activities of area committees.
The document reportedly says that in some places, party workers voted on the basis of personal interests. The concerned committees should make sure that the real party stands are implemented.
According to reports, CPM general secretary M.A. Baby asked the participants at the meeting to convince the people and the ranks. There should be constant contact. He asked them to avoid arguments and behave with modesty and politeness. He called on them to bring changes in their lifestyle and approaches. Matters should be explained in simple language that people can understand.
He said the election setback should be viewed as self-criticism. He did not mention the ED in his 90-minute talk. This shows that he was not prepared to blindly justify Pinarayi. He did not attempt to protect Pinarayi and his family in the CMRL-Exalogic case.
Baby alleged that the RSS has widened its influence in crucial sectors. He pointed to the judiciary, armed forces and investigation agencies.
It is clear that the conclave does not raise any criticism of Pinarayi Vijayan or state secretary M.V. Govindan. It once again underlines the fact that the central leadership does not dare to criticise the state leadership, namely Pinarayi Vijayan and M.V. Govindan. There are unconfirmed reports that only district secretariat members are permitted to speak during the open discussion.
