
Wed Jan 07 14:40:09 UTC 2026: Headline: CPI(M) District Leadership Reprimands Member for Attack on CPI Leadership in Kerala
The Story:
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] district leadership in Palakkad, Kerala, has publicly rebuked S. Ajay Kumar, a party district secretariat member and former MP, for his derogatory remarks against the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its State secretary Binoy Viswam. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, involved Mr. Ajay Kumar denouncing Mr. Viswam as a “fourth-rate politician” and criticizing the CPI’s perceived opportunism.
CPI(M) district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu addressed the issue on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, stating that Mr. Ajay Kumar should reflect on his statements and that such disparaging remarks against a leader like Mr. Viswam were unacceptable. Mr. Suresh Babu reaffirmed the fraternal relationship between the CPI(M) and CPI and rejected any statements undermining that bond, attributing Mr. Ajay Kumar’s outburst to potential overexcitement during a speech.
Key Points:
- S. Ajay Kumar, a CPI(M) district secretariat member and former MP, criticized the CPI and its State secretary Binoy Viswam.
- E.N. Suresh Babu, CPI(M) district secretary, publicly rejected Mr. Ajay Kumar’s remarks.
- Mr. Ajay Kumar likened the CPI to a lizard on the ceiling, claiming it takes credit for victories while blaming the CPI(M) for defeats.
- The CPI(M) district secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining a fraternal relationship with the CPI.
- No discussions regarding candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections have commenced.
Key Takeaways:
- Internal tensions exist within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, despite public assertions of unity.
- The CPI(M) leadership is actively working to contain the damage caused by Mr. Ajay Kumar’s statements and maintain coalition stability.
- Candidate selection for the upcoming Assembly elections is a sensitive issue that could potentially exacerbate existing tensions within the LDF.
- Public criticism between coalition partners is frowned upon, and the CPI(M) is attempting to project an image of solidarity.