CPI(M) Acts Against Members for Public Criticism of Health Minister

Quick Summary

• Two CPI(M) members in Pathanamthitta faced disciplinary action after publicly criticizing Health Minister Veena George following a building collapse at the Government Medical Collage Hospital in Kottayam.

– N. Rajeev, former Child Welfare Committee chairman, is set to be demoted to the Vallamkulam local committee.
– P.J. Johnson has been suspended for three months due to his social media post critical of the Minister.

• Mr. Rajeev had previously been removed from his CWC district chairman role over alleged involvement in sabotaging a POCSO case.
• tensions within Pathanamthitta’s CPI(M) cadre reflect factionalism and discontent over perceived favoritism towards Ms. George within the party leadership. Veteran leader A.Padmakumar recently softened criticism of party decisions involving her after intervention from senior leaders.
• Reports of Ranni area committee secretary T.N. Sivankutty’s resignation were dismissed; he is on leave citing health reasons, with temporary responsibilities assigned to K.P. Subhash Kumar.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The disciplinary actions and factional disputes within CPI(M) reflect deeper internal tensions in Kerala’s political sphere, particularly surrounding perceptions of favoritism and prominent roles assigned to leaders like Veena George-herself an outspoken figure as Health Minister during key recent crises (e.g., Nipah virus management). While dissent is not unusual in large political organizations, public airing of grievances and backlash management signals potential stress points for cohesion ahead of elections.

The intervention by senior leadership highlights efforts made by the party hierarchy to maintain unity while balancing competing interests among its cadres-a necessity given Kerala’s longstanding reputation for ideological rigor coupled with grassroots pressures on governance matters like healthcare infrastructure failures.

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