Ruling out early Assembly elections in West Bengal,the CPM has decided to instead rejuvenate the partys ranks in the wake of the Lok Sabha debacle. Sources say a large number of party card holders have reportedly distanced themselves from the CPM and affiliated organisations,raising concerns at the top level.
Emerging from the weekly state secretariat meeting,Commerce and Industry Minister Nirupam Sen said that early polls were not under consideration and that future plans for the party had been foremost on the agenda.
We maintain some procedure for changes in the party ranks. The party does not run according to the will of an individual. We have certain organisational rules for such change, Sen said when asked about changes in the party ranks. Sources said the CPM has identified a section of leaders at the district and block level who may be removed and new faces inducted.
The process of reconstruction of the partys structure will start in January 2010 with the yearly renewal exercise of the party card holders. Sources claimed that at least 40 per cent of 3,20,000 members may not renew their membership due to the present political situation.
Party sources said that according to the plan,Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee,state secretary Biman Bose and Nirupam Sen will visit districts to meet local leaders. They will attempt to implement the rectification programme framed by party central committee,which envisages deleting the names of those who are involved in corrupt practices.