As per the party’s constitution and age-limit policies, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is set to witness a significant generational shift in its highest decision-making body, the Politburo. The 24th Party Congress, scheduled to be held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in April, is expected to bring about this change. If the age-limit rule is implemented, seven senior leaders might have to step down from the Politburo. The leaders who may be impacted include prominent figures such as Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat, Suhasini Ali, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Tamil Nadu’s G Ramakrishnan, Tripura’s former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, and West Bengal’s Surjya Kanta Mishra.
The CPM has a rule that prohibits individuals above the age of 75 from remaining on the Central Committee. Since the Politburo members are elected from the Central Committee, these seven senior leaders are likely to step down, according to many within the party. However, there remains a possibility of exceptions. The CPM has occasionally allowed leaders to continue in their positions despite the age cap. For instance, during the previous Party Congress in Kannur, Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, despite being over 75, was allowed to remain in both the Central Committee and the Politburo. Whether any of the seven leaders will be granted a similar exception this time is yet to be seen.
Many veteran CPM leaders cannot recall the last time such a large number of prominent leaders faced the possibility of being removed from the Politburo simultaneously. These leaders are not just any regular members but are integral figures within the party. During the previous Party Congress, leaders like West Bengal’s Biman Bose and Kerala’s S Ramachandran Pillai were removed, signaling that generational change is indeed a planned shift.
CPM’s West Bengal State Secretary and Politburo member Mohammad Salim stated, “This decision was made after much consideration. The plan to introduce a generational change in the party was adopted over a decade ago, and this is simply its implementation.”
The CPM has faced challenges following the passing of its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, a blow that the party’s leadership acknowledges. Work on the political and organizational draft for the upcoming Party Congress has also been delayed. The Politburo meeting will begin on Friday and continue through Saturday, while the Central Committee will meet on Sunday and Monday. During these meetings, an interim General Secretary may be appointed. If a new face is selected for this interim role, it would indicate that the chosen individual is likely to become the next General Secretary at the Party Congress. However, if someone like Prakash Karat or Brinda Karat is appointed as interim General Secretary, then a new leader will be elected during the Party Congress itself.
Some in the party believe that the interim General Secretary might come from among the older leadership, someone with experience in preparing and presenting party documents. Nevertheless, the expectation remains that most senior leaders will have to move to the “reserve bench.”
There is also considerable curiosity within the CPM regarding who will replace the outgoing leaders. For instance, if Surjya Kanta Mishra from West Bengal is excluded from the Politburo, who will take his place? Names like Srideep Bhattacharya and Sujan Chakraborty are under discussion. Similarly, there are talks about including Biju Krishnan and Arun Kumar from various mass organizations in the Politburo.
If both Brinda Karat and Suhasini Ali exit, their replacements could be women leaders like CITU President K Hemlata and All India Democratic Women’s Association General Secretary Mariam Dhawale. However, many seasoned party insiders believe that several senior leaders will inevitably transition to an advisory or “margdarshak” role following the Madurai Party Congress.
The upcoming generational shift within the CPM is set to bring significant changes to the leadership structure. As the party navigates this transition, the decisions made in the upcoming Politburo and Central Committee meetings will be crucial for the future direction of the party’s leadership.