An interesting phenomenon!

In Kerala, 6,000 ditched CPM for CPI in the past one year!

CPI, which sees itself as the cornerstone of the real Left, has been witnessing a large scale inflow of CPM cadre into its fold. Of the 6,000 CPM workers, 1,200 are from Thiruvananthapuram alone. The final tally will crystallise after the CPI's district conferences are over.

CPI also increased its membership by 11,000 in the past one year adding the highest number of workers in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Thrissur districts. Though people from many other parties joined, a majority is from CPM. Moreover, CPI has issued clear instructions not to induct any SDPI member.

The new members are drawn from CPM, Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (S), Muslim League and certain factions of the Kerala Congress. This is not a new phenomenon as it has happened in the past too. In fact, the migration created bad blood between the LDF allies in districts like Kannur with their district leadership openly clashing with each other.

The migration is also an indication that at least a section within the Left feels that CPI retains the true characteristics of the Communist party. There's a general impression that Cpi is ideologically better and more democratic than the CPM.

Of the two major Left parties, CPM and CPI, the latter has a more impressive track record and image. The party has not flaunted this publicly.

In a move to attract CPM rebels, the CPI has decided to give them direct party membership instead of candidate membership as is done in other cases.

Courtesy. The NIE

My take

This was bound to happen because of the superiority and often, brazen attitude, shown by the CPM, towards the other parties.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10. washing machinex of the remaining set of clothes.

Drove the Chevy to the nearest petrol pump to top up with fuel and check tyre pressure. Our fruit basket was delivered at home on placement of order. My cousin, Meera and Valsala - all advocates - dropped by to spend time with us after attending a wedding at the Krishna Inn.

Participated in the 579th episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Short stories and their changing styles" by Shri B Murali, renowned author of short stories, from 1600 to 1700 hrs. The interaction was interesting.

Shut down The Quarterdeck in a progressive manner.