This year, CPI(M) strictly enforced its age-limit rule, excluding leaders over 75 from the Politburo. As a result, stalwarts like Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat, and Manik Sarkar stepped down
Published Apr 06, 2025 | 5:58 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 06, 2025 | 6:26 PM
Kerala has once again cemented its upper hand in the CPI(M)'s national hierarchy.
Synopsis: On 6 April, veteran CPI(M) leader Mariam Alexander Baby was appointed as the party’s sixth General Secretary. This leadership shift, marking Kerala’s continued dominance in CPI(M), follows Baby’s long political journey. Known for his activism and intellectual rigor, Baby’s elevation was proposed by Prakash Karat, despite some opposition within the Politburo. Pinarayi Vijayan’s ongoing Politburo presence highlights Kerala’s influence
Veteran CPI(M) leader and Politburo member Mariam Alexander Baby was handed a historic responsibility on 6 April, a day after his 71st birthday, as he was chosen to lead the Communist Party of India (Marxist) as its sixth General Secretary.
His selection came during the Politburo meeting held in Madurai, marking a significant leadership shift at the national level. With Baby stepping into the shoes once worn by EMS Namboodiripad, the party’s first General Secretary, Kerala has once again cemented its upper hand in the CPI(M)’s national hierarchy.
Adding to this is the continued presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Politburo, despite the party’s strict age-limit policy, an exception that underscores Kerala’s unmatched clout within the party.
Baby’s political journey spans decades of grassroots activism and ideological commitment. A native of Prakkulam in Kollam, Baby began his political life as a student activist, rising through the ranks of the Students Federation of India (SFI), before moving on to the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
His formative years were marked by staunch resistance to authoritarianism, including imprisonment during the Emergency, which shaped many leaders of his generation.
In 1984, at just 32, Baby became one of the youngest members of the Rajya Sabha. He further solidified his stature within the party during his tenure as Kerala’s Education and Culture Minister in the VS Achuthanandan-led government between 2006 and 2011.
Known for his oratory, intellectual acumen, and ideological firmness, Baby was widely seen as a natural fit for the party’s top post. His elevation was formally proposed by senior leader Prakash Karat, although it was not without resistance, with five Politburo members reportedly opposing his appointment.
MA Baby told the media that parties in the INDIA bloc adopt different approaches in different states. “In Madurai, the DMK and CPI(M) are together against the BJP. But in Delhi, AAP contested independently. In Bengal, TMC went solo. The CPI(M) has been following this independent pattern for a long time,” he said.
When asked about the CPI(M)’s campaign strategy for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, he remarked, “Will Pinarayi Vijayan lead the campaign? Or is there any other suggestion?” tossing the question back to the media.
The CPI(M) enforced its age-limit rule more rigidly this year, continuing the policy first introduced at the Kannur Party Congress. Leaders above 75 were excluded from the Politburo, a move that saw stalwarts like Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat, Manik Sarkar, Subhashini Ali, and G. Ramakrishnan stepping down.
An exception to the age limit rule was made for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is now in his 80s. Although the Bengal unit reportedly opposed any leniency and called for uniform enforcement of the rule, the exemption was upheld in recognition of Vijayan’s unique stature within the party.
Along with him, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and PK Sreemathy have also been granted age limit relaxations and will continue to serve on the Central Committee.
New inductees into the Politburo include Viju Krishnan (All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary), R Arun Kumar (Andhra), trade union leader U Vasuki (Tamil Nadu), and Mariam Dhawale (Maharashtra), National General Secretary of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association.
Other new PB members include K Balakrishnan (TN), Amraram (Rajasthan), Jitendra Chaudhury (Tripura), and Srideep Bhattacharya (West Bengal). The current Politburo now consists of 17 members, balancing regional representation with a generational shift.
The selection of the CPI(M)’s 84-member Central Committee wasn’t without friction. In a rare contest, DL Karad, national vice president of CITU from Maharashtra, challenged the panel citing inadequate representation from states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Karad’s bid was unsuccessful, receiving just 31 out of 729 votes, but it reflected growing internal calls for broader inclusivity within the party.
Kerala continued its strong presence in the Central Committee with the inclusion of LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan, state secretariat member Puthalath Dineshan, and KS Saleekha.
Veteran leader PK Sreemathy also retained her position. Interestingly, Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas was not included.
Several leaders who stepped down from the Politburo due to age limits, including Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat, Subhashini Ali, and Manik Sarkar, were named special invitees to the Central Committee, ensuring continuity in guidance.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
