Thiruvananthapuram, 10 May (H.S.):The CPM Politburo on Sunday began a crucial two-day meeting in New Delhi to review the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) crushing defeat in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections and chart the party’s future course in the state following one of its worst electoral setbacks in recent decades.

The meeting assumes significance as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) swept back to power with a commanding tally of 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while the ruling LDF was reduced to just 35 seats. Senior CPM leaders, including outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, are attending the high-level discussions, which are expected to focus on the reasons behind the alliance’s poor performance and growing criticism over the government’s functioning during its second consecutive term.

Party sources said the Politburo is likely to examine allegations that the government had become increasingly disconnected from grassroots sentiment, besides assessing complaints from within the organisation regarding governance style, cadre dissatisfaction and campaign failures in several constituencies.

One of the most keenly watched decisions from the meeting is the selection of the Leader of the Opposition in the new Kerala Assembly. Speculation continues over whether Pinarayi Vijayan himself will take up the post after stepping down as Chief Minister. However, Vijayan avoided giving a clear answer when questioned by reporters on the issue before the meeting. “Ask the general secretary,” he remarked briefly.

Apart from Vijayan, senior CPM leaders K.N. Balagopal, Saji Cherian and P.A. Mohammed Riyas are also being discussed within party circles as possible candidates for the opposition leader’s post.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, CPM General Secretary M.A. Baby said the agenda would be formally decided once the Politburo session commenced. “This is not a competition between the UDF and the LDF over who decides first. It should not be viewed that way,” he said.

Meanwhile, CPI leaders have reportedly staked claim to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post after the party won eight seats in the Assembly elections. The CPI has also directed its branch, area and district committees to hold detailed discussions on the reasons behind the LDF’s defeat, including allegations of cross-voting in several constituencies.

The CPM leadership is expected to take a final call on the opposition leadership after the Politburo meeting concludes on Monday or during the State Committee meetings scheduled later this week.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman