CPI(M) admits to missteps in Kerala campaign: Where party believes it slipped

After a four-day review of the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) debacle in the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, the CPI(M) on Thursday said the party failed to “grasp the attitude of people”. The party found that its prospects were affected after Muslims rallied behind the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) while the BJP made inroads into the Left’s traditional vote bank of backward Hindus.

Like five years ago, the LDF won only one of the 20 Lok Sabha seats, registering one of its worst performances in parliamentary elections in Kerala as its vote share dropped from 36.29 per cent to 33.34 per cent.

After the review meeting was over, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan told the media, “Correction will be required at all levels. This will be binding on all. Kerala is a place where the CPI(M) can come back. The party proved it. We will go to people and will try to correct their misunderstandings,” he said.

Referring to various factors that worked against the LDF in the elections, Govindan said, “We already had in mind the factors that could work against the Left. Despite that understanding, we thought the Left could win. That means we could not grasp the attitude of people. We have to be among people, understand their minds, and act accordingly,’’ he said.

Asked how the party will try to correct itself, Govindan said it would prepare a framework of the activities of the state government and matters would be prioritised accordingly. Top priority would be given to the problems and grievances of weaker sections, according to the top CPI(M) leader. To interact with people at the grassroots level, the party will conduct people’s conventions at the local level.

On the various factors that worked against the LDF, Govindan said