Mani row rekindles factionalism in Idukki CPM

KOCHI: The controversy kicked up by M M Mani  has paved the way for a re-emergence of factionalism within the CPM Idukki district unit. With the politburo decision confirming action against the Idukki district secretary, the party may consider reconstituting the Idukki district committee and secretariat.A section of the party activists believes that the attempt by Mani was to point fingers at the party’s former state leadership. “He was in fact pointing out the fact that political killings occurred even under the former state leadership. T P Chandrasekharan’s murder was not an isolated incident and hence it should be approached in such a manner only,” sources pointed out.Many believe that the Mani controversy is an indicator of factionalism reemerging in the Idukki unit. “It was during the Munnar eviction that a major section of district leaders, under the influence of some vested interests, parted ways with the Achuthanandan faction. Later, a couple of district secretariat members were sidelined by the official faction,” they added.Meanwhile, CPM district leaders have distanced themselves from Mani’s statement. It was not the collective opinion by the District Secretariat to make such a statement. They were remarks made by an individual, hence there’s no need for reconstituting the district secretariat, said a district leader. “Chances for a complete reconstitution of the nine-member district secretariat are remote. If Mani is suspended, the state leadership may include one more person in the secretariat. Otherwise Mani will be removed from the post of secretary, but will continue to be in the district committee and secretariat. However, the final decision would be taken by the state secretariat to be convened on June 4,” said a prominent leader from Idukki. Even if a decision is made to remove Mani from the post, it won’t be easy, they said.   Meanwhile, some leaders feel that the state leadership has not been successful in convincing the rank and file of the need to prevent action against the district secretary. “The cadre feel that the whole controversy has affected the party’s image. That’s one reason why even after the state leadership intervened, the cadre haven’t responded positively,” said CPM Idukki district committee member Sivarajan.