THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat has decided to probe the humiliating defeat suffered by the LDF candidates in Poonjar and Vattiyoorkavu and initiate disciplinary action against the party leaders responsible for the debacle. The Secretariat which evaluated the results, felt the party could not even collect its traditional votes pushing LDF candidate and former Kerala Congress (D) MLA P.C. Joseph to the third position in a four-cornered contest in Poonjar.
The secretariat decision is in line with the warning issued by Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to the local leaders during the campaigning that adverse result would invite disciplinary action. Mr Vijayan had made a surprise visit after the candidate complained of ‘slowdown’ in the campaigning.
Apart from holding a two-hour-long meeting in Erattupetta, the CPM leader had also censured a couple of area committee members from Kanjirapally and Poonjar. There was widespread resentment among a section of party men against the candidature of Mr Joseph.
The Assembly committee had reportedly proposed the name of Mr P.C. George for the constituency. Being a prestige battle for Mr Pinarayi, the defeat has clearly upset the leadership. Heads are likely to roll in the party.
A separate team led by Mr Koliakode Krishnan Nair will probe the defeat of Ms T.N. Seema in Vattiyoorkavu. The inquiry has been ordered following a complaint filed by Ms Seema about the huge drop in votes, especially in party strongholds. This could not have happened had the local leadership been alert.
Sitting MLA K. Muraleedharan retained the seat though the majority was reduced by 5,000 votes compared to 2011 Assembly polls. BJP state president Kummanam Rajashekharan, who increased the party’s vote share by over 30,000 votes, had cut into the votes of both Congress and the LDF.
The CPM had fielded a strong candidate like Ms Seema to capture the seat from Mr Muraleedharan. The district secretariat of the party had recommended a probe based on her complaint. Meanwhile, the two-day state committee meeting will begin on Wednesday.
Apart from reviewing the poll results, the meeting will also deliberate on issues that need to be tackled on a priority basis. Sources said the issue of granting a suitable post to Mr V.S. Achuthanandan may not figure in the meeting as the last Cabinet meeting had suggested that the matter be discussed in the LDF state committee.
