Manik Sarkar dark horse in CPI(M) race

A section of the party has been trying to find a replacement for party General Secretary Prakash Karat

With the call for resignation of the top leadership of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) getting louder by the day, a section of the party has been trying to find a replacement for General Secretary Prakash Karat.

Party insiders say Karat will have to relinquish the post — but this will take place at the next CPI(M) party congress — given mounting pressure over the rout in the general elections and all-round criticism of his style of functioning. However, the Karat lobby enjoys a majority in the party’s highest decision-making bodies, the Politburo and Central Committee. The Politburo meeting on Friday and the Central Committee meeting on Saturday and Sunday are likely to discuss the poll debacle at length.

According to a CPI(M) leader, the Karat group is pushing the name of S Ramachandran Pillai (SRP as he is called in party circles), a senior Politburo member from Kerala. “But the rival group will not agree to the suggestion at any cost. If Karat, with his majority in the Politburo and Central Committee, rides roughshod over the opposition and makes SRP general secretary, then things might take an ugly turn. There could be an election for the post or even a split,” said a source.

Observers feel SRP’s name is being circulated to scuttle the rival group from getting its candidate in. “In the selection of general secretary, Karat will have the final say. In case SRP’s name is rejected, rival groups will go for a consensus candidate. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar is likely to emerge as a dark horse,” said a source.

Sarkar, four-time chief minister, an able administrator and with a clean image, is likely to find acceptance among rival groups and cadre alike. “For many years, the post of general secretary was held by bookish leaders who are far removed from reality. It would be a welcome change if someone like Sarkar becomes general secretary,” added the source.