A day after the CPI(M) reconstituted its State committee in Kerala, senior party leader A. Padmakumar has come out in the open expressing his disappointment over being excluded from the panel.

“Communist parties typically induct members into such committees based on their contributions at the organisational level. This time, however, that principle was not followed,” he said.

Mr. Padmakumar, a former legislator from Aranmula, emphasised his 52-year-long association with the party in Pathanamthitta and reaffirmed his commitment to the party. “I have no intention of leaving the CPI(M). I will remain a communist forever. If the party permits, I am willing to work at the branch level,” he added.

Addressing the inclusion of Health Minister Veena George, the current Aranmula MLA who had joined the party just nine years ago, in the State committee, Mr. Padmakumar attributed it to her capabilities. “Regardless of experience, she must have been included based on her ability. I have no objections to that,” he stated.

In protest against his exclusion, Mr. Padmakumar left the CPI(M) State conference venue in Kollam on Sunday without attending the public meeting. Soon after, he had also posted a cryptic message on his Facebook page, stating: “cheating, betrayal, and disrespect’’, which was deleted later.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee has taken a serious note of the development. Responding to the controversy, district secretary Raju Abraham said he was unaware of the reasons behind Mr. Padmakumar’s discontent.

Describing Mr. Padmakumar as a prominent party leader in Pathanamthitta, Mr. Abraham defended Ms. George’s inclusion, clarifying that she was invited to the State committee in her capacity as a Minister. “Her performance as a Minister has been exceptional. Despite her ministerial responsibilities, she has balanced her organisational duties efficiently,” he said.

With the veteran leader unrelenting, all eyes are now on the party’s district committee meeting, which is slated to be held on Wednesday.

Last year too, Mr. Padmakumar was involved in a controversy after a heated altercation with another senior party leader during an election review meeting. Though the party later dismissed the incident, sources confirmed that the confrontation did occur. To prevent further embarrassment, senior leaders reportedly intervened and compelled both leaders to reconcile.