V.K. Santhosh Kumar elected CPI Kottayam district secretary
Hailing from a communist family in Poonjar, Mr. Kumar began his organisational work in 1978 as the All India Students Federation (AISF) unit secretary. He also served as assistant secretary of the Meenachil taluk committee of the party. He had been secretary of the CPI Poonjar constituency committee for 14 years, followed by a decade as the party's district assistant secretary. Currently, he is a member of the party's State council.
Mr. Kumar is a member of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) national council and holds leadership roles in several trade unions, including as president of the Meenachil Taluk Toddy Tapping Workers' Union, as president of the Meenachil Liquor Industry Workers' Union and as district president of the Supplyco Employees' Union. He also serves as a State office-bearer of the Liquor Industry Workers Federation and is a member of the State Minimum Wage Board advisory committee.
Criticism
Earlier, the delegates attending the district conference had raised criticisms directed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Ministers of the State government. Critics pointed out that the government had lost its Leftist character, with all four CPI-led departments underperforming. Further condemnation was directed at the Finance department for withholding funds, thereby stifling the CPI-led departments. The CPI State leadership, meanwhile, was described as weak and unable to take a firm stand on key issues.
Representatives of the AIYF attending the conference also voiced strong criticism of the leadership, condemning the absence of youth representation even in the conference presidium and criticising the leadership's disregard for young members. They accused the party district secretary of not attending AIYF meetings and alleged attempts to suppress the youth outfit under the party's control.
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