CPI(M) appoints veteran leader Chenthamarakshan as district secretary in Kerala’s Palakkad

V. Chenthamarakshan | Photo credit: KK Mustafah

V. Chenthamarakshan, a former MLA with a long organizational career in the Communist Part of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), replaced EN Suresh Babu as the Palakkad district secretary of the party.

The 66-year-old leader’s return to the key party post comes at a time when the CPI(M) is undergoing an organizational reshuffle following electoral setbacks and growing criticism of its functioning in the district. The decision to replace Mr. Baba was taken at a meeting of the district secretariat, which was attended by state secretary MV Govindan.

Student movement

Hailing from Anamari in Kavassery, Mr. Chenthamarakshan entered public life through the student movement while studying at Government College, Chittur.

He served as the district president and secretary of the Students Federation of India (SFI) before moving to the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) where he was the district secretary and later the state joint secretary. He was also part of the Indian youth delegation that visited Cuba.

Newly elected CPI(M) district secretary V. Chenthamarakshan (left) and former district secretary EN Suresh Babu leave the party office in Palakkad on Sunday. | Photo credit: KK Mustafah

Mr. Chenthamarakshan subsequently held the posts of CPI(M) Kavassera Local Secretary and Alathur Area Secretary. His electoral career began in 2001 when he entered the assembly from Alathur.

He went on to represent Kollengode and Nemmara, winning from three constituencies between 2001 and 2016. His repeated victories and organizational experience made him a prominent mass leader in the district.

Early change

Mr. Chenthamarakshan’s appointment comes after an unusually early change in the post of district secretary. Mr. Babu, who was serving his second term, was removed before completing his term.

The change followed criticism of the district leadership for factionalism, rebel activity and electoral failures. The woman’s complaint against Mr. Baba is said to have been discussed by the district secretariat as well. She reportedly approached Mr. Govindan and alleged that Mr. Babu misbehaved with her. The party did not publish the details of the complaint or its findings.

The change of leadership was also preceded by criticism of Mr. Baba’s style of operation. Party members accused him of an immature and condescending attitude, which they said affected the party’s image among citizens.

The organizational review also raised concerns about the growing influence of factional groups and the weakening of the party’s organizational structure.

Allegations related to land deals in Attappady, questions about the assets of party leaders and criticism that the CPI(M) was involved in real estate activities also figured in the discussions.

Further restructuring

The restructuring also applies to the youth wing of the party. AN Neeraj replaced R. Jayadevan as DYFI Palakkad District Secretary.

The district committee was also expanded with eight new invitees such as TP Mohammed, K. Jayadevan, Narayanan Kutty NK, Radhakrishnan Vadakkanchery, Ramadharan Kollengode, Parameswaran Attappady, Neeraj and Shibi Krishna. Six regional secretaries were also included among the special invitees.

The election of Mr. Chenthamarakshan, with his experience in student, youth and party organizations and three electoral terms, gives the CPI(M) a leader with a long organizational and electoral track record to oversee the restructuring in Palakkad.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 20:16 IST