Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI state executive committee meeting beginning on Tuesday is set to discuss the political situation in the state in the backdrop of fast paced developments in Kerala Congress (M) which is a major ally of the opposition UDF. Besides the preparations for the forthcoming nation wide protest against price rise, communalism and closure of PSUs, the executive is likely to discuss the controversy arising out of rebel CPM workers joining the party in Udayamperoor in Ernakulam district.

A section of CPM leaders in the district have opposed the CPI decision saying that the welcome extended to “party enemies” would only weaken the LDF in the district. However, the CPI district leadership said there were no differences between the two parties in Ernakulam. “We have only accommodated the CPM workers who left that party because of political and organisational reasons. Many more activists from that party are planning to join our organisation soon. We have been following a principled stand since 1964 and our party is likely to get further strengthened in Ernakulam district,” said CPI Ernakulam district secretary P Raju.

He said the party had accommodated only those CPM workers who had not faced any serious charges. “The former CPM activists of Udayamperoor area have a strong base in these areas and their entry into CPI will only strengthen the LDF in the district. Most of them have been accommodated in mass organisations and party. The top leaders who came with us will be accommodated in appropriate committees,” he added.