CPI(M) Politburo meet deliberates veteran leaders' poll fate, Vijayan's future
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New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI(M) Politburo began deliberations Friday in New Delhi on the political future of senior leaders including former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, MLA K.K. Shailaja, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan, with candidate selection topping the agenda ahead of Assembly elections.
Talks focus on fielding Central Committee members and seniors, and from where, amid speculation over Vijayan's candidacy, age limits, tenure norms, and generational shift—a final call pending Politburo verdict.
In Kannur, dissent brews over the emerging list. Shailaja, reportedly unhappy at possibly losing Mattannur—her stronghold—told state leaders she prefers not contesting if denied. Isaac, omitted in 2021 but keen after 2024 Lok Sabha loss, seeks one last run. Thaliparamba sees splits, with state secretary M.V. Govindan backing journalist M.V. Nikesh Kumar (2016 Kannur loser), despite rival names.
The decisions signal CPI(M)'s balance of continuity and discipline post-local poll drubbing, as it fights to retain power. Whether Vijayan and Govindan prevail or national leaders intervene remains unclear.
(Inputs from IANS)