At its upcoming meeting in Kochi, the CPM will not only unveil its vision for a “New Kerala” and its 25-year plan that will mark a “paradigm shift” in the way it develops, but also express its willingness to allow more Political parties are getting involved in the left-wing Democratic Front – a sign that the once narrow-minded party has further lowered the ideological wall.
The four-day meeting, held every three years, is the first since the CPM returned to power in 2021, a historic victory breaking Kerala’s tradition of power, led by LDF and Congress Alternating between the United Democratic Fronts.
The push to the frontier of development at the 23rd CPM meeting will also be another stamp of Pinarayi Vijayan’s undisputed authority in Kerala unity, despite widespread protests over the Silver Line railway project.
“Party views on New Kerala will emerge at this event,” said Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, CPM Secretary of State and Politburo member. “A visionary future was presented and discussed. 25 Years of Kerala Development Policy Draft.”
Expressing his openness to more parties joining the LDF, Balakrishnan said, “The LDF needs to grow into a majority political front in the state. Right now, we’re not even at 50% of the vote. This meeting will be about expanding the base of the LDF and attracting more people.”
Balakrishnan also said the Council of State would embody unity within the party after breaking away from the factionalism of the past.
The main face of the anti-Vijayan camp used to be V S Achuthanandan, who is now on the sidelines due to his advanced age. The party leader said his “ideological stubbornness” had been a major obstacle to the CPM’s acceptance of private capital.
Vijayan, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a “pragmatic communist” who puts “governance above ideology” and has shown his determination by pushing for the Silver Wire project despite opposition from within the party .
Vijayan expects little opposition at the meeting, as the CM’s words are now the last words from parties that had previously pledged to “reach a consensus”. The recent decision to cut off Lokayukta’s wings is a case in point.
On the political front, Vijayan is also leading the party’s expansion into new territories. A group of Sunni Muslim clerics close to Congress ally IUML have established direct links with Vijayan. Instead of joining the IUML agitation, they followed the CM’s promise to appoint staff to the Kerala Waqf Council.
If the meeting goes according to Vijayan’s plan (which seems likely), he may be stronger. Balakrishna said: This government will not repeat the mistakes of its predecessors. People have high hopes. We need new projects in all areas. The hurdles in front of the project should be removed…We want to approve all projects that are environmentally friendly and do not harm the national interest. ”
Complete News Source : The Indian Express
