CPI(M) to introspect after Kerala defeat, raises questions over Bengal results

Ranchi/New Delhii: The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said it will undertake a serious introspection following the defeat of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, while also raising questions over the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

In a statement issued on the election results, the party highlighted two major features — a significant setback for the LDF in Kerala and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in West Bengal. It also noted that the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu lagged behind expectations, while Vijay-led TVK has emerged as a significant political force.

The CPI(M) said the BJP has managed to retain power in Assam and, in alliance with the NR Congress, has secured victory once again in Puducherry.

Commenting on Kerala, the party said that the LDF’s defeat came after ten consecutive years in power, despite its efforts to implement welfare measures and meet people’s aspirations. It alleged that financial constraints imposed by the BJP-led central government adversely affected the state’s functioning.

On West Bengal, the CPI(M) attributed the BJP’s victory to multiple factors, including strong anti-incumbency against the Trinamool Congress government, the BJP’s “communal and divisive” campaign, large-scale use of money power, and alleged misuse of central agencies and the Election Commission, along with the SIR process. Despite the highly polarised atmosphere, the Left parties managed to improve their performance to some extent, it said.

The party further stated that the results in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry indicate a growing rise of right-wing communal forces under the BJP, which it described as a matter of serious concern for all secular, progressive and democratic forces.

Expressing gratitude to voters and party workers, CPI(M) said it respects the people’s verdict and will analyse the reasons behind its defeat in Kerala. It assured that corrective measures will be taken and reiterated its commitment to continue the struggle for people’s rights and the protection of secularism and democracy.

The Polit Bureau said that the upcoming meetings of the central leadership will carry out a comprehensive review of the new political situation arising out of the election results and chart out the future course of action.

— (Muralidharan, on behalf of CPI(M) Central Committee Office)