V. Chenthamarakshan
| Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah
V. Chenthamarakshan, a former MLA with a long organisational career in the Communist Part of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], has replaced E.N. Suresh Babu as the party’s Palakkad district secretary.
The 66-year-old leader’s return to a key party post comes as the CPI(M) undertakes an organisational reshuffle following electoral setbacks and growing criticism of its functioning in the district. The decision to replace Mr. Babu was taken at a district secretariat meeting attended by State secretary M.V. Govindan.
Student movement
Mr. Chenthamarakshan, who hails from Anamari at Kavassery, entered public life through the student movement while studying at Government College, Chittur.
He served as Students’ Federation of India (SFI) district president and secretary before moving to the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), where he was district secretary and later State joint secretary. He was also part of an Indian youth delegation that visited Cuba.
Newly elected CPI(M) district secretary V. Chenthamarakshan (left) and former district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu leave the party office in Palakkad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
K.K. Mustafah
Mr. Chenthamarakshan subsequently held the posts of CPI(M) Kavassery local secretary and Alathur area secretary. His electoral career began in 2001, when he entered the Assembly from Alathur.
He went on to represent Kollengode and Nemmara, winning from the three constituencies between 2001 and 2016. His repeated victories and organisational experience made him a prominent mass leader in the district.
Early change
Mr. Chenthamarakshan’s appointment comes after an unusually early change in the district secretary’s post. Mr. Babu, who was serving his second term, was removed before completing his tenure.
The change followed criticism of the district leadership over factionalism, rebel activity and electoral setbacks. A woman’s complaint against Mr. Babu was also reportedly discussed by the district secretariat. She had reportedly approached Mr. Govindan alleging that Mr. Babu had misbehaved with her. The party has not disclosed the details of the complaint or its findings.
The leadership change was also preceded by criticism of Mr. Babu’s style of functioning. Party members had accused him of an immature and high-handed approach that, they said, affected the party’s image at the grassroots.
The organisational review had also raised concerns over the growing influence of factional groups and the weakening of the party’s organisational structure.
Allegations concerning land deals in Attappady, questions over the assets of party leaders and criticism that the CPI(M) was becoming involved in real estate activities had also figured in the discussions.
Further restructuring
The restructuring extends to the party’s youth wing. A.N. Neeraj has replaced R. Jayadevan as DYFI Palakkad district secretary.
The district committee has also been expanded, with eight new invitees such as T.P. Mohammed, K. Jayadevan, Narayanan Kutty N.K., Radhakrishnan Vadakkanchery, Ramadharan Kollengode, Parameswaran Attappady, Neeraj and Shibi Krishna. Six area secretaries have also been included as special invitees.
The choice of Mr. Chenthamarakshan, with his experience in the student, youth and party organisations and three Assembly terms, gives the CPI(M) a leader with a long organisational and electoral record to oversee the restructuring in Palakkad.
Published – October 04, 2026 08:16 pm IST
