CPM official faction reasserts authority

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  The disciplinary action initiated  against  Karshaka Sangham former state  secretary C K P Padmanabhan  while the party conferences are in progress  is a strong message to all those who are reluctant to toe the line of the official faction in the CPM. If the decision taken by the CPM state committee is of any indication,  the  evolving picture is alarming as well as confusing even to staunch party cadres.  The  CPM state committee which met here observed that C K P Padmanabhan had not taken care to maintain vigil against misappropriation of the Karshaka Sangham funds.  But the very leaders who were keen to see his downfall in the party had glossed over the fact that it was the office secretary at the Karshsaka Sangham office who was behind the misappropriation of  funds.  This fact was overlooked while acting against  Padmanabhan and destroying him politically.  According to N M Pierson, noted political  observer  and columnist, what is taking place in the  CPM is alarming to those who love the party. “ It is unthinkable for even a strong critic of tjhe CPM to imagine that  a party like the CPM is getting alienated  from the people and disintegrating itself in the process.Destroying sincere party leaders like C K P Padmanabhan  is an act of madness” he told ‘Express’. The party may not have reason to fear any repercussions in  Kannur. But the fact remains that the general public will gradually distance themselves from the party, Pierson points out. Pierson also  is of the view that it was the caucus of the second string leadership of the party led by the three  ‘Jayarajans’  from Kannur who are dictating terms in the party affairs. “ The  caucus led by Jayarajans wanted to end  the role of  Padmanabhan as he was the strong loyalist of V S Achuthanandan in  Kannur.  But the  tragic side of  the issue is that Achuthanandan did not made any effort to save Padmanabhan. No known loyalist of Achuthanandan is now  with him.  And Achuthanandan is aware of  this fact more than anyone else,”  Pierson said. “The weakness of  Padmanabhan is that he believed his comrades blindly.  Now he had paid the price for it,”  said a CPM leader, who preferred anonymity.