The debate on the question of who should lead the LDF in the crucial assembly elections has gained traction following the comment made by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury a few weeks ago that age is no bar for a CPI(M) leader to contest; and that there is no retirement age in the CPI(M).

Needless to say, the comment touched off a lively debate. Speculation mounted that this was a green signal from Yechury for party veteran V. S. Achuthanandan not only to contest the assembly elections but also to become the Chief Minister should the LDF win the polls.

CPI leaders like party’s state secretary, Kanam Rajendran and Pannyan Ravindran have also voiced their support to the idea of VS leading the LDF. Kanam went to the extent of saying that those who lead statewide yatras need not become the chief minister! This was a reference to the former CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan leading the Kerala yatra the CPI(M) is planning to launch shortly. Pannyan Ravindran also identified himself with the sentiments expressed by Kanam, of course with the caveat that ultimately it is for the CPI(M) to decide who should lead the front. But their preference for Achuthanandan as the leader is too evident to bear any further reiteration.

Yechury followed up his remarks with lavishing praise on VS for the stellar role he played in the LDF’s victory in the local bodies elections. Yechury, who is close to VS, said, “VS is part of the CPI(M). You do not need to portray VS and the CPI(M) as two different entities”. Yechury added effective leadership could be provided only by a judicious blend of youth and experience. The energy with which VS is campaigning even at the age of 90 should inspire other party leaders, he gushed in praise.

This fulsome praise, predictably evoked a comment from Pinarayi, who has tried to play down the role played by VS in the electoral victory. In an obvious response to Yechury’s remark, Vijayan said the leadership of a particular individual was not necessary for the party to win elections! Moreover, the party is yet to discuss the selection of candidates for the assembly elections, added Pinarayi whose aversion for VS is well known.

Interestingly, C{I(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has backed Yechury’s views on the issue. Age will not be a bar for VS to contest, Kodiyeri said. This is clearly at variance with Pinarayi’s reservations over VS contesting the elections.

There is, however, consternation and apprehension among the LDF cadres and leaders over the timing of the debate. They are of the view that the debate at this juncture was uncalled for and self-defeating.

These leaders have a point. The political momentum has shifted in favour of the LDF following its creditable victory in the local bodies elections in the teeth of stiff opposition from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and a resurgent BJP in the state. Nothing should be done to reverse or slow down that momentum. That being the ground reality, a debate on the leadership issue at this point of time is untimely and harmful to the interests of the LDF.

The party should, therefore, call an immediate halt to the debate. The focus now must solely be on the formidable task of wresting power from the UDF. Precious energy and resources should not be expended on fruitless debates on the leadership issue.

Such a debate will also create a bad impression on those voters who are now inclined to vote for the LDF, being fed up with the corrupt and anti-people rule of the Oommen Chandy Government. Continuation of the leadership debate would dissipate the tremendous goodwill generated by the euphoria of the LDF’s local bodies poll victory.

Not only that. The LDF cares also want the front leaders to start the campaign for the assembly elections right away. As an important step, the LDF must ensure a joint campaign by VS and Pinarayi. Both should undertake a statewide campaign by appearing on the same platform. Such a strategy would electrify the LDF cadres and send a positive message to the state’s electorate.

Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury must, crack the whip, without any further loss of time, by ordering an immediate stoppage of the leadership debate. That would also be in consonance with the spirit of the corrective steps the historic Kolkata Plenum is expected to initiate to take the party to the winning ways in Kerala as well as West Bengal. (IPA Service)