The CPM has identified a growing tendency among some of its comrades to kowtow to the capitalist class, an euphemism for the rich, and increasing instances of favouritism shown by its elected representatives as “deviations” which need to be addressed fast.

The rectification document, the draft of which was finalised by the Politburo on Sunday, seeks to set right such wrong tendencies besides bringing some clarity on collection of funds by the party. A “code of conduct” for its elected representatives is also in the offing to check nepotism and corruption and to remind them of the need to adopt a simple lifestyle, according to sources.

In other words, it could be the CPM’s own austerity drive. Sources said the party would be harsh on those who accepted hospitality extended by corporate and private lobbies, including dinner and lunch invites and expensive gifts.

“All wrong trends in the party will be rectified and it will be done at all levels,” said CPM Politburo member M K Pandhe. His colleague Sitaram Yechury, however, touched upon the need for party leaders to follow a simple lifestyle but did not forget to take a dig at the Congress on the government’s austerity drive.

“We have seen the austerity of Congress style in which an MP buys an economy class, sits in an economy class till the flight takes off and then moves to business class. This is not the style of austerity which we are talking about,” he added.

The latest incident of CPM Central Committee member and Kerala’s Health Minister P K Sreemathi appointing her daughter-in-law in her personal staff as a cook and then promoting her as an additional personal assistant within a year is now being cited as an example of favouritism. The issue would now be looked into by the state committee, sources said.

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