CPM Congress expresses concern over shrinking of Youth Brigade

Coimbatore, Apr 1 (UNI) Delegates at the ongoing 19th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have expressed concern over the shrinking of the Youth Brigade, which constitute a mere 17 per cent of the party.

Participating in a debate on the party organisational set up, several delegates pointed out that the number of youths in the party was dwindling and suggested that the party launch a fresh drive to recruit youth comrades.

As of now, more than 50 per cent of the party members were above 50 years of age. They suggested that the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the students wing of the party, should be brought to the mainfold of the party.

The problem of lack of youth participation was not just unique to CPI(M) as some of the other regional parties like the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu were also facing a similar problem.

After filmstar Vijayakanth floated the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Sharath Kumar launched All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in Tamil Nadu, with major youth support, both the Dravidian parties in the state started wooing the youths.

When the ruling DMK had organised a massive youth conference in Tirunelveli in December last, the AIADMK in its recent general council had given a directive to party functionaries to start youth brigades in their respective regions.

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