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CPM keeps debate on Sitaram Yechury’s Rajya Sabha nomination open
Caught in an internal squabble, the CPI(M) brass deferred a decision on nominating general secretary Sitaram Yechury for Rajya Sabha poll.
Caught in an internal squabble, the CPI(M) brass deferred a decision on nominating general secretary Sitaram Yechury for Rajya Sabha poll.
“After the biennial election schedule is announced, we’ll take an appropriate decision,” he said. Party sources added that even as the Kerala lobby is upset over an unprecedented third term for Yechury, the “matter is still open.”
In the upcoming poll, the Congress is ready to support Yechury’s candidature from West Bengal. In the politburo meeting here on Wednesday, Kerala unit raised red flag to sending Yechury to Rajya Sabha with Congress support. The Bengal leaders quashed the resistance and argued that even during the UPA-era, the CPI(M) had backed the Congress. The Bengal leaders added that without Yechury, they will lose a seat to Trinamool.
The party’s dogmatic section is also opposed to its leader’s candidature as there is a rule that no one can contest after two terms. But a politburo member said, “It is a general rule. There can always be exceptions.” The Kerala and Andhra Pradesh units are also supporting Yechury’s candidature.
The issue will now be resolved in the next meeting of the Central Committee where the Bengal leaders hope to have more voice.
