CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan has attributed the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) recent electoral defeat to the government’s failure to deliver benefits to the common man and pay pensions. Govindan made these remarks while inaugurating a seminar commemorating the 115th birthday of the late EMS Nambootiripad (EMS), a veteran CPM leader and former chief minister.
Govindan acknowledged that the party “lost badly in the election” and emphasised the need to understand and address the reasons behind the debacle. He admitted that pensions for 62 lakh people have not been paid, and dearness allowance (DA) for teachers is still pending. Additionally, benefits for weaker sections, including handloom workers, weavers, and cashew workers, remain unresolved due to the state’s significant fiscal deficit. Govindan also took the opportunity to blame the Union Government for the state’s financial challenges.
Govindan noted the influence of capitalist tendencies within the party cadres since the formation of the Pinarayi Government II. He cited these issues as reasons for the party’s electoral setbacks.
Govindan expressed concern over the BJP’s significant increase in vote share over the past decade and highlighted that Congress lost 86,000 votes in Thrissur compared to 2019, while the LDF gained 16,000 votes but still fell short of the expected additional 1,000 votes. He also admitted that pensions for 62 lakh people and the dearness allowance (DA) for teachers remain unpaid, with benefits for weaker sections, including handloom workers, weavers, and cashew workers, pending due to the state’s fiscal deficit.
In a similarly reflective tone, CPM leader Prakash Karat expressed dissatisfaction with the LDF’s performance in the recent parliamentary elections in Kerala. He acknowledged the significant loss and stressed the need for a detailed review and correction of errors. Karat also voiced concern over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda, emphasising the importance of the party remaining vigilant.
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury has announced that the party will review the reasons behind its recent electoral defeat. He made this statement while speaking to the media ahead of the EMS memorial seminar.
At the same event, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam emphasized the need for self-criticism and introspection. He noted that the electorate has expressed their views on the state government, which should not be seen as purely negative. Viswam also mentioned that there would not be a joint committee of CPM and CPI to analyze the LDF’s electoral defeat. He pointed out the significant loss in Thrissur, where Suresh Gopi won by a large margin, as a wake-up call for secularists to take seriously.
The concern and readiness to introspect expressed by Left leaders highlight the severity of the electoral defeat and the urgency to address the underlying issues. This response underscores the profound impact of the election results and the gains made by the BJP on the Left parties.
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