Election to pick new CPI state secretary deferred

THE election to choose a new state secretary of the CPI, scheduled for Monday, was postponed (without mentioning new date) after a last-minute tussle over the executive council delayed proceedings.

- KUMARESAN S @Chennai

According to party sources, the state secretary is usually elected by the newly constituted state council on the final day of the state conference. However, when the incumbent secretary, R Mutharasan, proposed holding elections for the 31-member executive council first, the process encountered difficulties. Mutharasan, who has crossed the age limit of 75, suggested the inclusion of two new members in place of himself and another retiring member. But at least nine council members expressed their intention to contest, leading to prolonged negotiations that stretched past 5 pm.