M V Govindan Elected as CPI M State Secretary

Kollam: M V Govindan has been elected as the State Secretary of the CPI M. The decision was made during the party's state conference held in Kollam, ahead of the 24th Party Congress to be held in Madurai from April 2 to 6. The conference, which took place from March 6 to 9, saw Govindan being chosen for the top post.

Born in Morazha, Kannur district, Govindan entered active politics through the Kerala State Youth Federation (KSYF). He was a member of the All India Preparatory Committee for the formation of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and served as its first State President, Secretary, and All India Executive Committee member. He has also held positions such as CPI M Kasaragod Area Secretary and Kannur District Secretary.

Currently, Govindan is a member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau. He was appointed as the acting State Secretary in August 2022 following the resignation of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan due to health reasons. Govindan has served as the Chief Editor of Deshabhimani and Marxist Sabhaadam. He has also been the Vice President of the All India Karshaka Thozhilali Union and the Chief Editor of the Karshaka Thozhilali monthly magazine. During the Emergency, he was imprisoned for four months and has faced police brutality on multiple occasions.

Govindan has been elected as an MLA from Thaliparamba three times and served as the Minister for Local Self- Government and Excise in the 2021 cabinet.

He is the author of several notable works, including Swaathwa Rashtreeyam (Editor), Vairudhyathmika Bouthikavadam Indian Darshanathil, Chinese Diary, Yuva Jana Prasthanam: Aayuda Samarangalude Pashchatthil, Karshaka Thozhilali Union: Charithravum Varthamanavum, Marxist Darshanam Indian Pashchatthil, and Kaadukayarunna Indian Maoism.

His wife, P K Shyamala, is a member of the State Committee of the Democratic Women's Association. They have two children: G S Shyamjit and G S Rangit.