Thiruvananthpuram: The CPM rectification document had pointed out that being in power increased the scope for corrupt practices. It is no different this time as the party grapples with charges of nepotism, corruption and sexual harassment against its leaders.
The three major episodes; Industries Minister and CPM central committee member E. P. Jayarajan's ouster from Cabinet on charges of nepotism, suspension of Kalamassery Area secretary Zakeer Husain for alleged extortion and goonda links and Wadakancherry woman's charge of gangrape against CPM councillors, have badly jolted the party.
Notwithstanding the explanations, these instances have also exposed the decadence that has set in the party at many places. A section of party leaders believe that since these issues have come up just five months into LDF rule, it should be taken as an opportunity to check such aberrations in the remaining four and half years of the government.
The three day CPM state committee meeting to be held here on November 18,19 and 20 is set to undertake an exhaustive exercise to discuss, reinforce and draw a plan for implementing do’s and dont’s for party leaders and those in the government.
The meeting will held in the presence of CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had pointed out here the other day that being the ruling party, people from different sections approached the leaders to seek redressal of grievances.
Being mass leaders they cannot keep people at an arm’s length. But while dealing with such matters, the leadership should be vigilant enough to ensure that they don’t end up siding with any party or getting involved in corruption.
The state committee will also discuss ways to guard against bribe talking and malpractices of people in the government. The leadership will call for conforming to communist norms, eschewing corrupt practices, prompt probe into complaints of corruption and strict disciplinary action against guilty.
A section of leaders believe that the norm that state, district, area and local committee members should file their income and assets statements annually should be strictly enforced and the details should be submitted to higher committee at the time of the finalisation of renewal report.
