Mon Mar 10 15:00:59 UTC 2025: ## BJP Criticizes CPI(M)’s Lack of Women in Kerala Secretariat

**KOCHI, March 10, 2025** – The Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] for the underrepresentation of women in its newly elected state secretariat. Following the CPI(M)’s state conference in Kollam on Sunday, BJP state president K. Surendran and vice president Shobha Surendran voiced their concerns.

They allege that the new secretariat prioritizes those who have praised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law, Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, pointing out that only one woman secured a position. Furthermore, Mr. Surendran highlighted the absence of Scheduled Caste representation in the secretariat. He contrasted this with the BJP’s Kerala leadership, claiming one-third of its office-bearers are women.

The criticism came during a BJP core committee meeting in Kochi, which also focused on preparations for upcoming local body elections. The meeting was attended by BJP Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar and co-in-charge Aparajita Sarangi.

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