The Communist Party of India (CPI) has postponed the election for its new Tamil Nadu state secretary, a key decision that was expected to be made at the party’s 26th State Conference. The four-day conference, which began on August 15 and concluded with a public rally, was a platform for the leadership transition.The incumbent secretary, R. Mutharasan, has completed three consecutive terms, and the party was set to elect his successor. However, the election was deferred due to an internal contest for the position. According to party sources, the main contenders for the top post are State deputy secretary M. Veerapandian and State committee member Santhanam. The party has indicated that the election process will be held within the next two weeks.