Factional feud in CPM worsens

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The conflict between the CPM official leadership and Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan worsened on Tuesday with the former lodging a formal complaint with the politburo against VS' indiscipline and the latter sticking to his earlier stand regarding the disciplinary action initiated against his supporters in Kasargod.Sources in the CPM told 'Express' that the complaint submitted by the state leadership seeks the central party leadership's intervention to silence VS who is breaking the barriers despite repeated warnings.It is learnt that the state leaders will exert pressure on the central leadership to consider the complaint in the PBCC meetings scheduled to be held in Kolkata from Friday.The official faction dealt another blow to VS by suspending 12 CPM members in Neeleswaram, Kasargod district, on Tuesday, levelling the charge of pro-VS demonstration.However, indicating that he was not ready to step an inch backward, Achuthanandan on Tuesday said his statement at Kanhangad hasn't created any confusion among the party cadre. He is also learnt to have advised the eight CPM workers of Kanhangad to approach the CPM control commission against the suspension.Speaking to reporters here, VS also made his stand clear with regard to the party action against Ernakulam former district secretary Gopi Kottamurikkal. "The party will view allegations like moral turpitude very seriously. There is no question of groupism in that decision," said VS.There were allegations that Kottamurikkal had fallen victim to the tantrums of VS group leaders as he had switched over to the official group from the VS camp.With complaints reaching the central leadership, both factions are waiting for a directive from the CC. Sources close to VS said there was only little chance of the central leadership taking a tough stand against VS. "Earlier, the central leadership had joined hands with the official camp to isolate VS. But, with the stunning performance in the Assembly polls and the accolades he received from the CC for this, VS is in a more comfortable position,'' said a source.