THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the vote percentage given out by the State Election Commission on Monday is any indication, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has nothing much to cheer about despite its victory over the UDF in rural and urban bodies.
The CPM state secretariat which met here on Monday and the two-day state committee meet beginning from Tuesday are dissecting the verdict. With the LDF securing just 24,408 votes more than the UDF, many CPM leaders say a detailed analysis is required to find out why the opposition failed to exploit the positive situation.
“We will increase the gap hugely in the Assembly poll. The BJP managed to create some illusion this time but the severe drubbing Narendra Modi received in Bihar will strengthen Left, democratic and secular forces. People will rally behind us in a big way as an alternative to the UDF's corruption and BJP's communal agenda,” said CPM politburo member M. A. Baby.
The saffron surge is also a matter of concern for the CPM. The BJP, with its stupendous growth in vote share which has more than doubled during the last five years, has positioned itself as an alternative in many places. From 11.47 lakh votes in 2010, the BJP has increased the share to 26.31 lakh.
While a section of the people believes there was a big shift of Nair votes towards the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the CPM is not ready to buy the theory.
"The BJP already had pockets of influence in Thiruvananthapruam. O. Rajagopal led in 63 wards even before Modi came to power. The BJP gained from the erosion in the UDF votes as many felt it could defeat the LDF. But that is no excuse. We should have retained the corporation," said Baby.
Political commentator Dr J. Prabhash said apart from traditional UDF votes of Nairs, the BJP also got support from the middle class youth cutting across castes.
"The political climate is positive for the LDF but its chances in the Assembly poll will depend on what happens in the CPM over the next four months. The question about who will lead the LDF still remains unresolved. Bihar outcome and Mani episode will have an impact in future politics," he said.
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