CPI(M) asks leaders in Keralam’s Kottayam to clear cooperative bank loan dues

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] held an extended district committee meeting in Pala on Saturday, instructing party leaders who have taken loans from cooperative banks to clear their dues immediately. District secretary T.R. Raghunath revealed that two district secretariat members and five district committee members have availed themselves of substantial loans.

The directive emerged following strong criticism at the meeting, where delegates called for increased oversight of party office-bearers' financial dealings. Several leaders faced criticism due to their handling of cooperative banks, leading to the party's heavy defeat in the district. The meeting also highlighted that the actions of some leaders had left ordinary depositors unable to withdraw their money during crises, causing public anger against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and contributing to the front's setback in Kottayam district.

Delegates expressed concern over the disproportionate importance given to the Kerala Congress (M) within the LDF in Kottayam, noting that the Kerala Congress (M) received more district panchayat seats than the CPI(M) in the last local body elections but failed to gain any significant victories. Party officials argued that such compromises were diminishing the confidence of rank and file members.

The meeting further decided to include P. Shanavas of Kanjirappally in the district secretariat and Changanassery area secretary Sugathan in the district committee, with five leaders, including DYFI district secretary T.S. Sarath and president Archana Sadasivan, invited as special invitees.