A day after the Kerala CPI-M state conference concluded in Kollam, dissenting voices emerged within the party as discontent over appointments to the CPI-M state committee and secretariat sparked unusual protests from its leaders. This marks a notable instance within the CPI-M where individuals excluded from committee positions have publicly expressed their grievances following the state conference.

Senior CPI-M leader and former MLA A. Padmakumar voiced his frustration regarding his exclusion from the state committee, alongside Health Minister Veena George’s designation as a special invitee to the committee. Additionally, P. Jayarajan’s son, Jain Raj, expressed his discontent over his father’s absence from the CPI-M state secretariat, referencing a previous statement from party leader M. Swaraj that questioned the expectations of their current political context.

There were expectations that senior leader P. Jayarajan, who faced sidelining in 2022 for alleged attempts to cultivate a personal following, would be reinstated to the Secretariat, but that did not occur. The prominent party figure, N. Sukanya, anticipated to gain a position in the state committee from Kannur, subtly criticized the decision through a social media post, quoting Che Guevara, “If you tremble with anger at every injustice, you are my comrade.” She later clarified that her remarks were not aimed at the leadership.

Reports suggest that J. Mercykuttyamma protested during the conference itself regarding her exclusion from the state committee. There is also disappointment among party members that MB Rajesh and Kadakampally Surendran, who were anticipated to secure positions in the state secretariat, were not appointed.

Padmakumar, a member of the CPI-M Pathanamthitta district secretariat, publicly expressed his discontent with being overlooked for the state committee, stating that he felt “passed over” after decades of service. He shared his grievances on Facebook, lamenting, “Deceit, betrayal, insult – 52 years of dues. Lal Salaam.” Although he later deleted the post amid controversy, he reiterated his dissatisfaction when speaking to reporters, announcing his voluntary retirement at the age of 66, ahead of the party’s standard retirement age of 75.

While recognizing the induction of K. P. Udayabhanu and Raju Abraham from Pathanamthitta into the state committee as justified, Padmakumar criticized Veena George’s rise within the party, arguing her lack of active contribution to organizational efforts. He remarked, “She was brought in as a candidate by us. Someone with no background in party activities has now become an MLA twice, then a minister. She is undoubtedly a capable woman, but placing her in a top organizational role solely based on her parliamentary work has naturally raised concerns among many.”

In a subtle critique of her inclusion, Padmakumar noted, “Her nine years in the party are apparently more important than my 52 years. She must be far more capable than me for that to be the case. There is nothing more to it.”

As Padmakumar’s dissent garnered media attention, local BJP and Congress leaders sought to entice him to join their ranks, but he firmly rejected such offers. “I remain with the CPI-M and simply voiced concerns regarding certain organizational matters. The party is always right in its political and organizational decisions. There are no plans to leave the CPI-M,” he asserted. “My political journey began during the Emergency. I did not join the CPI-M with expectations of committee positions.”

Meanwhile, CPI-M has begun efforts to address Padmakumar’s dissatisfaction. Raju Abraham, the CPI-M Pathanamthitta District Secretary, visited Padmakumar at his home in Aranmula to discuss the issue. After their meeting, Abraham stated that the party would evaluate the concerns surrounding Padmakumar’s exclusion and assured that his complaints would be brought to the attention of state leaders.