CPI(M) To See Generational Shift, Age Restrictions To See Exit Of Senior Politburo Leaders

CPI(M) is poised for a significant transition in its leadership during the 24th Party Congress, set to take place in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, April 2025. This transition is likely to drop several senior leaders from the Politburo in accordance with the party’s age rule. As per the party’s new legislation, no leader above 75 years of age can remain in the Central Committee, from which Politburo members are elected. Possibly seven veteran leaders — Prakash Karat, Vrinda Karat, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Tamil Nadu leader G Ramakrishnan, former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, West Bengal’s Suryakant Mishra, and Suhasini Ali may be removed from the Politburo.  The decision to implement the age restriction marks a pivotal moment for the party, which has long been deliberating a generational shift in its leadership ranks. However, West Bengal state secretary and Politburo member Mohammed Salim confirmed that this move was planned over a decade ago and this time, it will be implemented. However, there remains the possibility of exemptions, where the party may grant special permission for some leaders to continue despite surpassing the age limit. The names of replacements are already doing the rounds. For instance, in place of Brinda Karat and Suhasini Ali, names that are going rounds include CITU All India President K Hemalata and Mahila Samiti All India General Secretary Maryam Dhawale as potential female replacements in the Politburo.