The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Healthy precedent

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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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Healthy precedent

By suspending Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan — two seniormost leaders — from its Polit Bureau for violating party norms, the CPI (M) has emerged as the lone party that puts the party above individuals, however popular they may be. I wonder how many parties can take such a bold step against a Chief Minister and State secretary. The CPI (M) is the real party with a difference.

The attitude of Mr. Achuthanandan and Mr. Vijayan is also commendable. Their reactions reflect their maturity. The developments reinforce that inner party democracy and discipline are two sides of the same coin.

K.S.V.V.N.S.V. Prasad,
Rajahmundry

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The CPI (M) has set a healthy precedent. What is heartening is that the two leaders against whom disciplinary action has been taken have accepted it in the right spirit. They have admitted that they erred.

Other political parties should take a leaf out of the CPI (M)'s book and act against individuals who think they are above the party. Only then will the multi-party system be strengthened.

Bishal Das,
New Delhi

* * *

The CPI (M)'s decision should set an example to other parties in which senior leaders are not bound by rules. The Kerala CPI (M) leadership should remember that it has the responsibility of rising to the expectations of the people who reposed their faith in the LDF. It should also bear in mind that infighting was one of the major reasons that brought down the Congress-led UDF Government.

M. Sreejith,
Palakkad

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