CPI(M) mulls merging local, zonal committees to curtail expenditure

The matter will be discussed at the plenum of the state committee of the party to discuss organisational matters. The CPI(M) set up zonal committees in 1985 after there was a sharp rise in the number of members. Earlier there was branch, local and district committees. The zonal committees kept the liaison between the local and district committees.

The local committee was the all powerful body. It used to decide local problems cropping up between the landlord and tenants. It also used to create trouble to the families owning their allegiance to the Opposition parties. In every activity that was taking place in a locality the local committees played a major role.

After Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, there was mass exodus of party’s rank and file and many of the local committees in party’s stronghold in West Midnapore, Burdwan, Asansol in the districts and Beliaghata, Manicktala, Baghbazar in the city were kept under lock and key. It was in East Midnapore that the party decided to club two or three local committees in 2011. Three branch committees were clubbed into one.

A senior leader of the party said many rank and files did not support the alliance with Congress and they refused to renew their membership. Many leaders of the party have joined TMC. The biggest crisis the party is facing now is financial crisis. 

The party is facing real problem in paying the wage of whole timers. The party used to collect donation from businessmen who have either refused or reduced the amount, the leader said. He said to woo young blood, the party decided to hold classes in colleges and in Calcutta and Jadavpur University but the classes have received lukewarm response and there is lack of seriousness among the participants. 

These issues will be discussed at the state plenum. “The party leadership is trying to find out ways and means to stop mass exodus of rank and file to TMC. If this trend continues, the party will face problem in fielding candidates in the panchayat election scheduled to be held in 2018. In 2019 there will be Lok Sabha polls and it will be difficult for the party to retain two seats”, he said.