Kerala CPM leadership evaluates Lok Sabha poll debacle

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM state leadership on Thursday attributed the LDF’s massive loss in the recent Lok Sabha elections to several factors including failure to understand the public sentiments, a decline in minority votes, and a shift in the Left's traditional Ezhava vote bank in certain constituencies.

The CPM leadership which met over the last five days, examined the electoral debacle. CPM state secretary M V Govindan who briefed the media on Thursday, said his party would reclaim its traditional voter base.

Govindan stated that the voters' inclination towards Congress stemmed from CPM's limited strength to confront BJP nationally. Besides, the backing of hardline Muslim factions such as Jamaat-e-Islami, SDPI for Congress and the Muslim League, alongside BJP's effective engagement with the predominant OBC Ezhava community via SNDP's leadership, were key factors contributing to the defeat.

He accused the UDF of having a coalition with these organisations. "While the UDF may have benefitted temporarily, in the longer run such unholy alliances will have far-reaching political ramifications,” he said.Additionally, financial restrictions imposed by the Centre prevented the state government from delivering benefits to the people. The Centre had financially stifled the state, severely affecting the disbursement of welfare pensions for the poor and dearness Allowance for government staff, he said and added that rather than confronting the BJP, the Congress had shifted the entire blame onto the state government, misleading the public. The public's anger was aimed at the state government.

Govindan stated that the BJP's triumph in Thrissur represented a significant threat. The BJP-RSS stirred up caste and communal sentiments, swaying a portion of OBCs and Christians to vote in their favour. Additionally, various community and caste organizations that endorse identity politics also supported the UDF and BJP.

The CPM leader noted that a section of the Ezhava community, traditionally a pillar of the Left movement and adherents of Sree Narayana Guru's philosophy of “one caste, religion and one God”, had aligned with the BJP. This shift was influenced by the leadership of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP).

Thushar Vellapally, son of Vellapally Natesan and chairman of the NDA in Kerala, whose party BDJS is in alliance with the BJP, epitomized this change. The RSS had also persistently engaged with the Ezhava community and has recently seen some success.

"The SNDP leadership needs to reflect on the direction they are taking the community. Due to the influence of the Sangh Parivar, the Left has lost a segment of votes that should have gone to the LDF," he stated.

Govindan pointed out that in Kerala, the Christian community has traditionally opposed the Hindutva agenda. But, of late a section of the Christian population seems to have shifted its support towards the BJP for various reasons.

A section of the Christian community cast their votes for the BJP, influenced by the latter's outreach programmes, campaign against "love jihad" and threats issued in connection with foreign funding.

In certain areas, even Church leaders had participated in BJP events. The UDF's loss of 86,000 votes in Thrissur's Congress stronghold includes a significant portion of the Christian community.

“We are dedicated to reconnecting with the electorate, clearing up any misunderstandings, and restoring their trust. Our focus will be on rolling out beneficial programs for the underprivileged, as well as providing welfare measures and financial assistance,” the CPM leader said.

Govindan denied that the chief minister's style of functioning had contributed to the defeat of LDF. “There was a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the chief minister and his family, aided by a segment of the media. This type of propaganda might have swayed a portion of the electorate,” he said.

The CPM believes that the BJP’s growth needs to be contained effectively. The Sangh Parivar's idea of turning India into a Theocratic state is dangerous and needs to be opposed strongly.

Govindan said his party will take corrective measures right from the booth level to the top. Central leaders including Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat will address four zonal meetings in the first week of July.

People's conventions will be held at the local level to explain the party's position on various issues and to hear the views of various sections of society.