Key Points

Communist Party veteran K.E. Ismail has been left disappointed after being excluded from the party's Kerala state conference. The 84-year-old former Revenue Minister was suspended earlier this year and now finds himself sidelined from the event. Despite his long-standing commitment to Communist ideology, Ismail feels deeply hurt by the leadership's decision. He remains resolute in his political beliefs, affirming that he will "always remain a Communist" despite the current setback.

Key Points: CPI Veteran Ismail Sidelined from Kerala State Conference

  • - Ismail suspended in March after comments on party leader P. Raju's death
  • Veteran leader denied conference participation
  • 84-year-old Communist with decades of political service
  • Highlights long association with party stalwarts
2 min read

CPI's veteran Kerala leader Ismail upset at being left out of state conference

84-year-old Communist leader K.E. Ismail expresses anguish over being barred from party conference after decades of service

"I have worked in the party all my life. Am I not allowed to attend this conference? - K.E. Ismail"

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 9

Communist Party of India (CPI) veteran K.E. Ismail has voiced deep anguish over being barred from attending the party's Kerala state conference scheduled to be held in Alappuzha over three days from Wednesday.

In March, Ismail was served a six-month suspension from the party for his statements following the death of top party leader and former legislator P. Raju.

The 84-year-old former state Revenue Minister and Rajya Sabha member, who dedicated his entire life to Communist politics, expressed disappointment that despite decades of loyal service, he has been denied permission to take part in the event.

"I have worked in the party all my life. Am I not allowed to attend this conference? The leadership has imposed a restriction. I feel sorrow and deep pain," he wrote in his social media account.

Recalling his association with past stalwarts, the veteran noted that he had the privilege of working under leaders such as Achutha Menon, N.E. Balaram, P.K. Vasudevan Nair, and Veliyam Bhargavan. "I was entrusted with responsibilities during their time, and I carried them out to the best of my abilities. Those memories remain with me even today," he observed.

The leader also pointed to the decision taken at the 2022 Hyderabad Party Congress to exclude members above the age of 75 from active roles.

"From 2022 onwards, I have been only a primary member because of that policy. But what fault has the leadership now found in me, a primary member?" he asked.

While refraining from making further remarks, the veteran hinted that he may reveal more in the future.

For now, he chose to extend his best wishes to the party conference, hoping it would be held smoothly and achieve great success.

"I will always remain a Communist. That commitment will last until the very end of my life," he declared, underlining his lifelong ideological loyalty despite his present disappointment.

The remarks have drawn attention within party circles as the organisation prepares for its state conference, which is expected to witness key discussions on policy, organisational matters, and future strategies.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 75-year age limit rule seems harsh for veteran leaders who built the party. They have institutional memory and experience that younger leaders lack. CPI should reconsider this policy for exceptional cases like Ismail sir.
S
Suresh O
While I respect Ismail's contributions, every organization needs fresh leadership and new ideas. The age limit policy was democratically decided at the Hyderabad Congress. Sometimes tough decisions are necessary for party growth.
M
Meera T
His dignified response despite the hurt shows true communist values. Wishing the conference success while being excluded himself - that's real commitment to the ideology over personal interests. Respect! 🙏
A
Aryan P
Kerala politics has always valued its senior leaders. This treatment of Ismail sir goes against our political culture. The suspension and now this exclusion - seems like internal party politics at play.
N
Nikhil C
The party should have at least allowed him to attend as an observer if not as active participant. Denying entry to someone who worked under legends like Achutha Menon doesn't sit right. Hope they reconsider.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50