THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is almost confirmed that Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will be removed from the post of CPM state secretary following his ill health. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called on state secretary Kodiyeri resting at his home the other day. The party had convened emergency leadership meeting to discuss the removal of Kodiyeri from the party leadership. The state secretariat and committee meetings will be held today and tomorrow. General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and senior politburo member Prakash Karat will be attending the meetings.

As Kodiyeri needs treatment and rest, there has been a directive in the party to replace him. Though tired, the leader had attended the day to day affairs of the party till yesterday. However, he expressed interest in stepping down from the post for further treatment. He will soon fly to Chennai for treatment. Kodiyeri chosen secretary in the state meet in Kochi has another two and a half years’ term. Senior leaders met Kodiyeri this morning and informed the party’s decision. General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and politburo member M A Baby met Kodiyeri this morning.