The CPI(M) is expected to convene a plenum for the finalisation of organisational issues and political strategies. According to party leaders the conclave is expected to be held in October or November. The party is also expected to form a secretariat in the headquarters to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the organisation. Decision to this effect was taken during two-day Central Committee meeting which concluded here on Sunday.
The major left party is expected to finalise the roles of the several leaders in the functioning of the party, a change which was imminent after the formation of new leadership. Former general secretary Prakash Karat is likely to take up the role as editor of party mouthpiece People’s Democracy (PD). Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury at present edits the weekly.
“Given the responsibilities Yechury has now as general secretary, there is need to lessen load on him. Karat will replace him as the editor,” said senior leaders.
According to the senior party leaders, the Central Committee has also decided to give charges to Karat to head the sub-committee on organisational affairs. S Ramachandran Pillai, who looked after the organsiational affairs, is expected to head the disciplinary affairs of the party. Another Politburo member MA Baby will be in charge of external affairs, students and youth wing of the party.
The Central Committee meeting has decided to field candidates in the forthcoming Bihar polls along with other left parties. It is certain that the left parties would extent support to the Janata Parivar.
Among other organisational decisions, CPI(M) has decided to retain Politburo Commission which will hear the party’s intra-Kerala unit issues. The sources said CPI(M) plans to hold a plenum later this year to assess status of its organisational strength which has seen a drastic decline in the past few years, especially in its one-time bastion of West Bengal. The last such meeting was held in 1978 at Salkia in West Bengal.