The CPI(M) in Kerala is witnessing growing internal churn following its heavy Assembly election defeat, with calls for major organisational changes gaining momentum. While a leadership change is unlikely before the next state conference, pressure is mounting for a reshuffle of the state committee and secretariat after the extended committee meetings scheduled in August.
Recent remarks by party general secretary M.A. Baby and central committee member P. Rajeeve have fuelled speculation about the emergence of a new grouping within the party. Their criticism and calls for introspection are seen as signs of shifting equations in the state unit.
As demands for accountability intensify, state secretary M.V. Govindan has come under increasing scrutiny. The central leadership is also believed to be seeking a stronger role in Kerala affairs. In a veiled criticism of Govindan, Baby reportedly questioned the decision to field a relative as the candidate in Taliparamba, saying he would have preferred someone else.
Former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, however, rejected attempts to hold Govindan solely responsible for the defeat. He stressed that the party’s review had not singled out any individual and maintained that the electoral setback was a collective issue.
According to party insiders, leaders such as M.A. Baby, Thomas Isaac and P. Rajeeve have openly advocated self-examination. Discussions at lower-level committees reportedly saw criticism directed not only at Govindan but also at Pinarayi, signalling a departure from the unquestioned leadership style that prevailed for years.
There is also increasing demand within the party for greater transparency and a revival of internal debate. Leaders point out that open criticism, once a hallmark of the party under stalwarts like E.M.S. Namboodiripad, had diminished over the past decade but is now resurfacing.
Several leaders acknowledge that the responsibility for the defeat extends beyond Govindan. Decisions relating to candidate selection, campaign strategy and responses to media narratives were taken collectively, making the forthcoming extended committee meeting crucial for the party’s future course.
Though Pinarayi Vijayan continues to wield considerable influence, signs of dissatisfaction with his leadership have also emerged. Sources indicate that some central committee members had reservations about projecting him as Leader of the Opposition. There is speculation that Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal could eventually assume that role after a year or two.