Kochi, 23 June (H.S.):

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Central Committee member K.K. Shailaja has said that the Left Democratic Front's setbacks in successive elections in Kerala were largely the result of organisational weaknesses and called for a thorough review of the party's functioning, leadership style and engagement with the public.

In an article titled Return is Imperative published in the CPM's weekly journal Chintha, Shailaja said the party must critically examine the conduct, language, lifestyle and public interactions of both its leaders and grassroots workers. Any mistakes that may have contributed to the electoral decline should be identified and corrected, she stressed.

According to Shailaja, recent organisational shortcomings have played a significant role in the party's poor electoral performance. She said the CPM is currently assessing weaknesses across various sectors and remains committed to combining parliamentary and non-parliamentary struggles in pursuit of its long-term goal of strengthening democracy in the country.

She emphasised that strong and disciplined organisational work is required at both the grassroots and higher levels to effectively mobilise people. However, she acknowledged that the functioning of party branches, local committees and other organisational units had weakened in recent years, a trend highlighted by recent election results.

Shailaja noted that the Left's performance in the last three elections requires serious introspection. She pointed out that the LDF recorded its lowest-ever vote share of 37.61 per cent in the recent Assembly election and saw its seat tally plunge from 99 to 35. Several constituent parties also failed to win even a single seat. She described the BJP's victory in three Assembly constituencies as a matter of serious concern.

The former Health Minister said the party must closely examine vote erosion in traditional Left strongholds. She observed that some long-time Left supporters had shifted away due to misunderstandings, local grievances and unresolved issues. Winning back such voters, she said, should be a priority.

Shailaja also referred to the departure of several prominent CPM leaders who later joined the UDF and won elections. Alongside correcting internal shortcomings, she said the party must effectively counter misinformation and false propaganda directed against the CPM and its leaders.

Expressing confidence in a political revival, Shailaja said the Left would regain public support if it sincerely addressed people's issues, corrected its mistakes and remained organised while confronting political attacks from both the Congress and the BJP. She asserted that a strong Left resurgence in Kerala was achievable through consistent grassroots work and honest political engagement with the public.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman