Amid intense speculation over possible further action against veteran leader A. Padmakumar, the two-day extended district committee meeting of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] began here on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) to review its electoral setback and organisational weaknesses.
Politbureau member A. Vijayaraghavan inaugurated the meeting, while district secretary Raju Abraham presented the report. A total of 106 delegates, including district committee members, area committee secretaries, three delegates from each area committee and three representatives of mass organisations, are attending the meeting.
As the meeting enters its second day on Wednesday, speculation is rife that the CPI(M) leadership may initiate further action against Mr. Padmakumar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and legislator, who has been arraigned as an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
According to sources, the party may consider disciplinary action against Mr. Padmakumar if delegates demand it at the meeting. It is also likely to fill the vacancies in the district secretariat and district committee created by his suspension, a move that could increase the pressure on him within the party even without immediate disciplinary action, sources said.
Veena George attends meet
Meanwhile, former Minister Veena George attended the meeting amid discussions over her absence from organisational activities since her defeat in the Aranmula Assembly constituency. Her participation on Tuesday comes after her absence from party forums following the election.
Earlier in the day, Balakrishnan, a native of Nedumbram in Thiruvalla, staged a solo protest at the venue alleging loan irregularities at the Thiruvalla Urban Cooperative Bank. He accused senior leader R. Sanalkumar and former Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) district president M.C. Aneesh, both former members of the bank’s governing body, of acquiring property through such irregularities. Mr. Balakrishnan said he resorted to the protest after failing to get justice through party forums. He was later forcibly removed from the scene.
The event will draw to a close on Wednesday evening with a rally and pubic meeting.
Published – October 06, 2026 05:28 pm IST
