About two dozen members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] resigned from the party in Palakkad on Sunday, protesting against the demotion of an area committee member who had criticised the party’s district secretary.

The mass resignation from four CPI(M) branch committees followed an escalating rift between district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu and area committee member as well as Palakkad municipal councillor Abdul Shukoor.

Mr. Shukoor was recently demoted after he reportedly raised allegations against the district leadership during an area committee meeting.

Those who resigned on Sunday alleged that the district secretary had consistently sidelined and humiliated Mr. Shukoor. They also demanded the removal of the secretary from his post.

The dissidents said they planned to organise a convention for party members who had allegedly faced humiliation and been forced to leave the CPI(M). An MLA-elect from north Malabar will lead the convention to be held later this month, they said.

Mr. Shukoor is reportedly considering stepping down from his positions, including his membership in the Palakkad municipal council.