CPI Factionalism Hits Crisis Point After Key Resignation
The Communist Party of India (CPI) is facing a severe internal crisis as factional disputes reach a boiling point. The resignation of a prominent district panchayat member in Kerala has exposed deep divisions, threatening the party’s unity ahead of crucial elections.
Why Did Rajesh Kumar Resign?
Comrade Rajesh Kumar, an elected CPI member from Alappuzha District Panchayat, quit on Monday, citing “irreconcilable differences” with top leadership. In his resignation letter, he accused party bosses of ignoring grassroots workers and favoring factional interests over ideology.
“This is not the CPI I joined. The leadership cares more about power than the people,” Kumar told reporters. His exit has rattled the party, especially in Kerala, where CPI is a key partner in the ruling LDF alliance.
Longstanding Factional Feuds Surface
Insiders say Kumar’s resignation is just the latest clash in a years-long power struggle. The CPI is split between:
– Hardliners – Loyal to traditional Marxist-Leninist principles
– Pragmatists – Pushing for flexible electoral strategies
Tensions have spiked over Kerala’s governance failures, national alliances, and policy disputes. While leaders like D. Raja deny major rifts, mid-level cadres are increasingly frustrated.
Kerala’s CPI Crisis Deepens
As the party’s stronghold, Kerala is ground zero for infighting. Critics blame CPI for poor handling of unemployment and farmer issues. Kumar’s exit has emboldened dissent, with more resignations likely.
A senior CPI leader admitted anonymously:
“We’re at a crossroads. Without fixing this, we’ll lose public trust.”
Political Fallout Ahead of Elections
The turmoil is ill-timed as CPI gears up for local body polls. Opponents are capitalizing:
– BJP’s K. Surendran: “Proof of the Left’s decline.”
– Congress (UDF): “CPI is too busy fighting itself to govern.”
CPI leaders are scrambling for damage control, but internal reforms could further split the ranks.
Can the CPI Recover?
The central leadership may step in soon, but without resolving core disputes, more exits and infighting loom. For India’s oldest communist party, this crisis could decide its future relevance.
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