CPI(M) asks leaders in Keralam’s Kottayam to clear cooperative bank loan dues

An extended district committee meeting of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], which concluded in Pala on Saturday, directed party leaders who have availed themselves of loans from cooperative banks to clear their dues immediately, warning of strict disciplinary action against those who default on repayments.

According to district secretary T.R. Raghunath, two district secretariat members and five district committee members have availed themselves of substantial loans from cooperative banks. The directive is part of a course correction being initiated within the party, with disciplinary action to be taken against leaders who fail to comply.

The decision followed strong criticism at the two-day meeting, where delegates called for greater scrutiny of the financial dealings of party office-bearers. Several leaders also came under criticism for their handling of cooperative banks, with delegates attributing the party’s heavy defeat in the district to the attitude and interventions of its leaders.

Public anger

The meeting noted that the actions of some party leaders had left ordinary depositors unable to withdraw their money during times of crisis. Delegates assessed that this had triggered considerable public anger against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and contributed to the setback suffered by the front in areas including Pala.

The meeting also saw strong political criticism over what delegates described as the disproportionate importance being given to the Kerala Congress (M) over the CPI(M) within the LDF in Kottayam district. In the last local body elections, the Kerala Congress (M) was given the opportunity to contest more district panchayat seats than the CPI(M), but failed to make any significant gains. Party workers argued that such compromises were eroding the confidence of the rank and file.

The meeting also decided to induct P. Shanavas of Kanjirappally into the district secretariat, while Changanassery area secretary Sugathan was included in the district committee. Five leaders, including DYFI district secretary T.S. Sarath and president Archana Sadasivan, were also included as special invitees.