R. Mutharasan, a low-profile leader from Tiruthuraipoondi, was elected State secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), who edged out assistant secretary C. Mahendran in a close contest.
Mr. Mutharasan entered the fray with the support of outgoing State secretary D. Pandian, who served three consecutive terms in the post. The result is seen as the outcome of a power struggle in the party between Mr. Pandian and Mr. Mahendran.
Mr. Mutharasan’s emergence came as a surprise to many, as what was expected was a fierce contest between Mr. Mahendran and former MP and MLA Tirupur K. Subbarayan.
“When it was clear that Mr. Pandian will not get a chance to become the party’s secretary for a fourth time and Mr. Subbarayan was not interested in the race, it looked like Mr. Mahendran would assume the mantle. But, Mr. Mutharasan had the blessings of Mr. Pandian,” said a State council member.
A secret ballot followed. As many as 127 State council members participated in the election. While Mr. Mutharasan secured 63 votes, Mr. Mahendran polled 61. Three votes were found invalid.
“As per the CPI constitution, a person can hold the post of secretary four times. But, in the third and fourth term, he has to poll 75 per cent votes, a stiff criterion that Mr. Pandian was unsure of getting. That is why he opted out,” said the State council member.
Both Mr. Mutharasan and Mr. Mahendran belonged to the erstwhile composite Thanjavur district, where the CPI commands support among farmers and farm workers. As the battle lines were drawn between the two leaders from that area, others realised that their prospects were dim and opted out of the race.
Mr. Mutharasan was secretary of the Agriculture Workers’ Union affiliated to the CPI, while Mr. Mahendran worked with the All India Students’ Federation and the All India Youth Federation before being absorbed in the main party.
Mr. Mahendran is the editor of Thamarai , a literary magazine launched by late Communist leader P. Jeevanandam.
Pandian opted out as he was not sure of getting 75 per cent votes
