ALAPPUZHA: The CPM has taken strict action against senior leaders and others in Alappuzha CPM, where factionalism is raging. MLA and district secretariat member PP Chitharanjan has been demoted to the district committee. Kerala Bank Director M Sathyapalan has also been demoted from the district secretariat to the district committee. A Shanavas, who was accused in the drug trafficking case, has been expelled from the party. Alappuzha South, North and Haripad area committees were dissolved. The decisions were taken at the district leadership meeting attended by state secretary MV Govindan.

CB Chandrababu has been given the charge of South Area Secretary. KH Baburaj is in charge of Haripad Area Secretary. North and South area committees will become one. It has also been decided not to fill two vacancies in the district secretariat. 25 leaders, who have received explanation notices, have been demoted to lower ranks.

The party had appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the sectarian activities. TP Ramakrishnan and PK Biju were the members and the commission had reported that there was severe factionalism in the district during the time of the conference.