The Conference adopted the New Pathways for a Nava Kerala Document, which encapsulates the blueprint for Kerala’s future development, unanimously. The highlight was the document presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan contained steps for resource mobilisation which deviates slightly from the party’s known positions.

Not surprisingly, the deviation triggered concerns in a few quarters. Reservations were voiced over the difficulties of implementing these policies. But both the Chief Minister and the CPI(M) State secretary M. V. Govindan allayed the fears by declaring in no uncertain terms that nothing that would adversely affect the common masses would be implemented.

The concerns were expressed when the Nava Kerala Document hinted at the need to take steps to counter the Union Government’s economic strangulation of Kerala.

The assurance from both the Chief Minister and the party secretary were necessary as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the BJP had signalled their intent to take political advantage of the additional steps for resource mobilisation. The Government and the party have taken the wind out of the Opposition’s sails by making it clear that no additional burdens would be imposed on the people. That strategy has frustrated the Opposition’s designs as it was clear that they would have weaponised the issue to extract electoral advantage in the forthcoming local bodies elections, only a few months away.

Govindan, who addressed the press after being re-elected, said the party had also self-critically analysed its weaknesses. The party is particularly concerned over the fact that a slice of the party votes had gone to the BJP in a few constituencies. All steps to ensure their return would be taken on a war footing, Govindan averred. A few wrong tendencies which had been identified, would also be corrected, he said.

As the Chief Minister rightly pointed out, the Conference reflected the strength the CPI(M) had attained. The State had overcome the difficulties stemming from the Union Government’s attempts to scuttle Kerala’s advance by denying central funds even for Wayanad disaster relief. It was nothing but a case of cruel discrimination, the Chief Minister pointed out.

Pinarayi also lambasted the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)’s justification of the Union Government’s cruel stand. It was also shocking that the mainstream media in the State had failed to oppose the Union Government’s hostile and unjust attitude towards the State. However, it was a matter of pride that despite the Centre’s best efforts, the State had managed to weather the economic storms and forged ahead on various fronts – a fact acknowledged even by the Modi Government’ own agencies like the NITI Aayog. The CPI(M) has taken such a path with the aim of elevating the quality of life of Keralites to that of developed countries.

The Conference also laid accent on the paramount need to strengthen the party organisation to effectively frustrate the BJP-RSS to divide the people on religious lines and target the minorities for discriminatory treatment. It also unambiguously declared its determination ensure a third term for the Pinarayi Government.

The Conference also witnessed perfect synergy between the party and the Government with barely a dissenting voice being raised. Especially noteworthy was the voicing of concern over some of the policies the Nava Kerala Document hinted at and the CM’s prompt intervention to allay the fears that it could affect the life of the common masses.

The Conference also gave the green signal to M. V. Govindan to remain as the State Secretary after a unanimous re-election. Govindan had become the state secretary after Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had vacated the post for medical treatment in 2022.

The Conference also elected a 89-member State Committee which has 17 fresh faces. The State secretariat was also reconstituted with K. K. Shailaja, M. V. Jayarajan and C. N. Mohanan being included. Vacating their positions in the Secretariat were A. K. Balan, P. K. Sreemathi and Anavoor Nagappan, following the retirement age norm of 75 years, endorsed by the Party Congress in Kannur in 2022. The only exception was Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Conference concluded with a massive rally at the Ashram Maidan in Kollam, which turned the city into a red sea.

Polit Bureau co-ordinator Prakash Karat, who inaugurated the rally mentioned that the conferences from branch to the state level had shown the strength and heft the party has attained over the years. The CPI(M), Karat stressed, had become a highly unified party, ready to meet the challenges ahead.

Karat also praised the Kerala unit of the CPI(M) which is in the forefront of the fight against Hindutva neo-liberal forces. The Kerala CPI(M) also deserved to be complimented for coming up with al alternative development model, he added. He also regretted the failure of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) failure to oppose the Union Government’s hostile attitude towards Kerala. Instead of joining hands with the LDF in opposing the Union Government, the UDF has chosen to align with BJP for short-term gains. This strategy would cost them dear, Karat pointed out, adding that nothing would stop the advance of the red flag in Kerala. (IPA Service)