CPI-M’s Kerala state Secretary M.V. Govindan admitted that the party faced an unexpected defeat in the state Assembly elections and failed to anticipate the outcome. The party accepted the criticism that arose during its self-evaluation process. A review report on the Assembly election, based on opinions from numerous party workers, was unanimously approved by the CPI-M state Committee after a two-day meeting.
An expanded state Committee meeting will be organized to devise an action plan for the party in the current political scenario. Additionally, a meeting of district-level leaders and representatives from various sectors is scheduled for August. Before that, the party plans to gather public opinions outside its organizational structure through WhatsApp and email to garner support in addressing present challenges.
M.V. Govindan highlighted the growing influence of right-wing ideologies globally. While acknowledging the overall public acceptance of the LDF government’s performance, he noted that unresolved issues in traditional sectors like construction had a negative impact on the LDF’s electoral prospects. Govindan alleged that in around 30 constituencies, BJP votes shifted to the UDF, and vice versa in some seats, indicating a BJP-Congress understanding soon after the UDF government assumed power.
The CPI-M leader also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his attacks on the LDF and CPI-M during the campaign, suggesting they were influenced by his party’s state leadership. Govindan attributed the election results’ impact to the Sabarimala gold theft case, emphasizing the party’s failure to effectively counter the opposition’s narrative. He acknowledged the party’s shortcomings in handling issues like the Ayyappa Sangamam and the delayed removal of A. Padmakumar from a controversial matter.
Moreover, Govindan recognized criticism from district committees regarding candidate selection errors in constituencies like Payyannur and Taliparambu. Notably, in Taliparambu, Govindan’s wife faced defeat as their party colleague contested as a rebel candidate with Congress support.
