Assessing our organisational shortcomings: CPI-M

Amid charges of "lack of inner party democracy" coming from within the party, the CPI-M on Tuesday said it was introspecting its organisational shortcomings in its ongoing plenum here.

Addressing media persons on the third day of the organisational plenum which began here on Sunday, Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Mohammad Salim said the party was discussing ways to take ahead its rejuvenation plans including organisational shortcomings.

Asked to comment on a Bengal leader raising the cry of lack of "democratic centralism", Salim said: "We follow the principle of democratic centralism. At times there may be more emphasis on democracy at times on centralism. But a balance between the two has to be maintained.

"We meet not to criticise, but we meet to conduct the process of self critical assessment of the situation and various organisational aspects."

Salim also said one of the chief focuses of the plenum was attracting and inducting more youth in the party and raise them as cadres and leaders.