Senior CPI (M) leader Sarojini Balanandan said the party was dominated by men and that many leaders still nursed “male-feudalistic mentality”. Balanandan, widow of former Politburo member E Balanandan, was dropped from the party state committee on health grounds. In tears, Balanandan left the state conference as soon as the news came in.
Six other members were also dropped from the state committee earlier in the day on account of their ‘poor health’.
“I never expected this cruelty from Pinarayi Vijayan (state secretary). Many leaders older than me continue in the state committee. I’m quite active and I don’t have any ailments,” she said. Balanandan said she would continue to be a party member.
Vijayan, who was elected the state secretary for the fourth consecutive term, brushed aside her outburst. “It is natural for her to become a bit emotional as she had been active in the party till recently. So you don’t have to worry about what she says,” he said.