On April 6, 2025, in Madurai, the CPM Pparty congress became the stage for significant political transformations. During this landmark session, which opened the door to major changes in the party's national leadership, M.A. Baby was officially declared as the new General Secretary of the party.
This announcement is not just a change in leadership; reactions from the grassroots indicate that it symbolizes a fresh direction in the party’s strategic stance and future political vision. The news of M.A. Baby being chosen for the highest position in the Communist Party of India (marxist) was first highlighted even before the party congress officially began—by the Malayalam media, with Kerala Shabdam taking the lead.
More than just news reporting, Kerala Shabdam delved into political forecasting and critical analysis. Through its sensitive readings of internal party conditions, Sitaram Yechury’s nearing end of tenure, and differing opinions within national units, Kerala Shabdam had already brought Baby’s name into political discourse before the party congress commenced, revealing: “A leadership transition is due—Baby is the likely candidate.”
Later, this was reflected in the lines of discussion and responses during the party congress.
An End to Uncertainty
Back in the 2015 Party Congress held in Visakhapatnam, S. Ramachandran Pillai was the primary name in contention. However, given the then-recent rise of the BJP to power at the national level, Yechury, with his parliamentary experience, received broader support. His leadership era continued through the subsequent Plenums in Hyderabad (2018) and Kannur (2022).
Yet, the 2025 Madurai party congress was already being perceived as a stage for leadership transition, shaped by internal reviews and strategic reflections, even before it formally began. The stance of the Kerala faction, which is the party’s strongest, played a decisive role—reflected in Baby’s elevation.
Holding positions as a PB member and Central Secretariat member, Baby had already gained national recognition.Alongside him, B.V. Raghavulu from Andhra and Ashok Dhawale from Maharashtra were also discussed during the party congress.
However, due to Baby’s national recognition, political maturity, and the likelihood of consensus and cooperation across various factions, he was chosen with broad agreement.
Women Leadership Considerations
Vrinda Karat’s name was considered before and during the party congress, but reports suggest she voluntarily withdrew. Beyond the complexities of gender representation, Baby’s long-standing legal and organizational experience led the party to a realization: “Now is his time.”
Kerala Shabdam: A Unique Journalistic Journey
Long before the official announcements of the party congress, Kerala Shabdam had already analyzed and predicted the likelihood of Baby’s rise, presenting it through a socio-political lens. The official confirmation from the party congress now stands as proof.
In essence, Kerala Shabdam was the first to evaluate this historic party transition with clear political insight—making it a success story in media responsibility and socio-political journalistic integrity.
Those party workers who once said “the time for change is near” are now declaring: “It has happened!”
