Thiruvananthapuram, 16 Dec (H.S.):In the backdrop of a severe setback in the recent local body elections, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) will convene a crucial meeting on Monday to review the reasons behind the electoral debacle and chart a corrective course ahead of the Assembly elections.
The meeting is scheduled to be held at the AKG Centre at 10.30 a.m. and is expected to witness intense discussions on the factors that led to the Left front’s poor performance. According to sources, constituent parties of the LDF are likely to press for significant course correction in governance, stressing that major changes are required if the front is to regain public confidence before the Assembly polls.
The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in the LDF, has assessed that strong anti-incumbency sentiment and the Sabarimala gold smuggling controversy played a decisive role in the front’s crushing defeat. The CPI has also openly voiced dissatisfaction over Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s functioning style. During CPI leadership meetings, sharp criticism was raised against what was described as the Chief Minister’s “one-man show,” with leaders alleging that Vijayan has been taking decisions unilaterally without adequately consulting alliance partners.
In contrast, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the leading constituent of the LDF, has rejected the charge of anti-incumbency. The CPM State Secretariat has maintained that the government’s performance remains strong and that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration continues to enjoy public support. Party leaders argue that no particular section of society has turned against the government and insist that minority communities remain firmly aligned with the Left.
Responding to demands for action in connection with the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan said that disciplinary measures cannot be initiated against leaders who are currently in jail unless charges against them are legally proven. He reiterated that the party would adhere strictly to legal procedures and principles.
The differing assessments by the CPI and CPM are expected to come into sharp focus during the LDF meeting, highlighting internal contradictions within the front. With the Assembly elections looming, the deliberations are being seen as critical in determining whether the Left front can bridge internal differences and recalibrate its governance approach.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
