As the 24th Party Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) concludes in Madurai today, all indications point toward senior leader M.A. Baby being appointed the party’s new General Secretary. While the official confirmation will come from the Central Committee today, sources suggest that consensus was already reached during the Politburo (PB) meeting held last night. Although other names like Ashok Dhawale from Maharashtra and Raghavulu from Andhra Pradesh were considered earlier, Raghavulu had publicly stated that he was not in the race, clearing the way for Baby’s selection.
M.A. Baby, a prominent member from Kerala with longstanding ties to the party, enjoys wide support not only from his home state colleagues but also from influential figures like PB coordinator Prakash Karat. His extensive experience and seniority within the Politburo are seen as assets for leading the party forward. The general consensus within the party is that having a Kerala-based leader at the helm could be strategically advantageous for CPM’s future expansion and grassroots mobilization. However, the party remains firm on its earlier decision not to ease the age limit criteria for leadership positions within the PB.
Despite detailed deliberations over leadership roles, the PB resolved not to amend its age cap policy for its office bearers. This means six senior leaders, including Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, may have to step down. An exception, however, has been made for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who will continue under the previously granted age relaxation. Today’s events will mark the end of the Party Congress, with a Red Volunteer March starting at 3 PM near the Pandi temple in Madurai, followed by a public meeting at Vandiyur Ring Road Junction at 5 PM. Key leaders including P. Shanmugham, Pinarayi Vijayan, and other central figures are scheduled to address the gathering.
