Prakash Karat has once again got the command of the country’s largest communist party CPM. He was the General Secretary of CPM for a long time. After Harkishan Singh Surjit, he took charge of the party and under his command, CPM was permanently out of power in West Bengal and Tripura. With this, now the party is left with the government of Kerala. It is not just a matter of government, CPM as an organization in West Bengal and Tripura has also almost vanished. It is believed that Karat’s puritanical politics and solitary approach isolated the party. If they do not fit into coalition politics, they also lack the inclusive thinking necessary for success. He is not as flexible as Sitaram Yechury and does not try the methods of practical politics.
CPM’s party congress will be held in April next year, in which the new general secretary will be elected. Till then Prakash Karat will play the role of coordinator between the Politburo and the Central Committee. In this responsibility they may have to take some difficult decisions. There is an uproar in Kerala, his home state and the only state under CPM influence. Many party leaders have been accused of various types. There is a separate controversy regarding an ADG level police officer and independent MLA PV Anwar, who supports the government, has created a big problem for the party. He is alleging that CPM leaders are in touch with the BJP and has even claimed that Pinarayi Vijayan could prove to be the last communist Chief Minister not only of Kerala but also of the country. Apart from Kerala, there are many disputes regarding leadership in both the states where CPM has an old influence. It will be interesting to see whether Prakash Karat allows the status quo to remain till April next year or takes some decision. Anyway, now he is the supreme leader of the party and there is no challenge to him. The next General Secretary will also be selected as per his wish.