The Workers’ Party (WP) is taking critical steps in response to the recent court conviction of party chief Pritam Singh for lying to a parliamentary committee. Following a High Court judgment that dismissed his appeal on 4 December 2023, the party’s central executive committee (CEC) convened on 2 January 2024 to discuss the necessary actions.
Formation of Disciplinary Panel
In a media statement released on 3 January, the WP announced its decision to form a disciplinary panel aimed at determining whether Singh has contravened the party’s constitution. This move comes amidst calls from party cadres for a special cadre members’ conference (CMC) to address the issue.
Due Process Emphasised
The CEC expressed its commitment to due process, stating, “The CEC has concluded that it is appropriate to call the Special CMC after the disciplinary panel has completed its work…” This ensures that all procedures align with the party’s governance standards.
Timeline for Proceedings
- The disciplinary process is expected to conclude within three months.
- A notice regarding the Special CMC will be issued within two weeks after the disciplinary proceedings finish.
According to reports, over twenty party cadres previously signed a letter urging for the special conference to be convened, likely in February 2024. As the WP navigates this delicate situation, the outcome of the disciplinary panel remains to be seen.