Thiruvananthapuram: The three-day central committee meeting of CPM which began in Delhi Monday is set to discuss a host of issues including Rajya Sabha third term for party general secretary Sitaram Yechury, preparations for the 22nd party Congress and crisis in agriculture sector. Though the politburo which met ahead of the central committee had opposed third term for Yechury with the backing of Congress, members from Bengal unit and veteran leader V. S. Achuthanandan are set to back him in central committee. Bengal comrades have backed Yechury for another term to ensure representation from the state.
They cited the important role being played by the party general secretary as the main voice of combined opposition in the Upper House. It was because of his intervention that the opposition parties came on board on Gopal Gandhi’s candidature for vice president, they pointed out. It may be recalled that in June, the West Bengal state committee had proposed third term for Yechury. The state unit came out with the proposal following Congress’ offer to support Yechury for the RS elections to be held on August 8. In Bengal Assembly the CPM-led Left Front has 32 MLAs which is not enough to see Yechury through to Upper House.
But his re-election could be possible if 44 Congress MLAs vote for him. Those opposing third term for Yechury have cited the party norm on not permitting more than two terms in Rajya Sabha. The party general secretary had also earlier clarified that he would stick to the party norm. Moreover, leaders like Prakash Karat and majority CC members from Kerala are dead against taking Congress support. The Bengal Comrades say that Yechury or any other leader, the party should grab the opportunity get the seat with the help of Congress. With the last date for RS nomination being August 28, the central committee will have to take a decision during the current session itself. The central committee meeting will also discuss the preparations for the 22nd party Congress to be held in Hyderabad in 2018, crisis in farm sector, attack on dalits and minorities in various parts of the country and price rise.
