Sudhakaran asks CPM to review party panel members’ age limit

Kollam: Former minister G Sudhakaran has once again voiced his dissent over the CPM's decision to set 75 years as the upper age limit for its functionaries in all party committees. Sudhakaran said CPM should think of reviewing the decision, as it does not benefit the party. "The rule was introduced only three years ago. After all, a rule is not an iron pestle. Those who made it can change it, right?" he asked.Sudhakaran asked what would have been the result if the forced retirement had been in place during the time of EMS Namboodiripad and A K Gopalan. "The party set 75 years as the retirement age. CPI and Congress are to follow the same. Retirement is a necessity in govt service, but not in politics. There is no reference to the retirement of politicians in the Communist manifesto, party programme or party constitution. It was adopted in a special situation, and we all accepted it. Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan was given an exemption as there was nobody else to be the CM," Sudhakaran said. He was speaking at a programme of retired teachers of the Sree Narayana Guru Employees Council, at the SNDP headquarters in Kollam.Sudhakaran said he sought a change as the party suffered due to the absence of seasoned leaders. Nobody said people who crossed 75 years should be given a ticket in elections. "But, is it fair to rule that aged people should not occupy party positions?" he asked.Sudhakaran said he raised such questions to society. "What can we do if there are suitable leaders, respected by the public? The preference of society should be given weightage," he said. Sudhakaran mentioned that several candidates were fielded in elections despite knowing well that they did not have a chance to win, he asked.