NewKerala.com

Kerala's Left Front Vows Comeback: How a Poll Setback Fuels Assembly Battle

The CPI(M) in Kerala is framing a recent local election setback as a temporary hurdle. Party leader M.V. Govindan points to a growing vote share as a sign of underlying strength. He blames the losses on specific local factors and opposition tactics rather than broad public disapproval. The Left Democratic Front is now launching a major campaign to rally support for the crucial state assembly elections ahead.

Key Points: CPI(M) Confident LDF Will Bounce Back After Kerala Local Polls

  • CPI(M) vows to analyze the local poll setback to prepare for the Assembly elections
  • Govindan highlights a significant increase in LDF's vote share compared to Lok Sabha polls
  • The party attributes losses to local issues, opposition propaganda, and media campaigns
  • Upcoming plans include ward-level assemblies and a door-to-door campaign from mid-January
2 min read

Kerala local polls temporary setback, LDF will bounce back: CPI(M)

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan says the LDF will turn its local body election setback into an advance for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.

"The CPI(M) will undertake a clear-headed and direction-driven evaluation... and convert it into a strong advance. - M.V. Govindan, CPI(M) State Secretary"

Thiruvananthapuram Dec 29

The CPI(M) will undertake a clear-headed and direction-driven evaluation of the unexpected setback suffered by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala's local body elections and convert it into a strong advance in the forthcoming Assembly elections, party State Secretary M.V. Govindan said on Monday.

Govindan said this after chairing a three-day party meeting here that ended on Monday.

He asserted that public perception of the state government remained largely positive and expressed confidence that the LDF would retain power with a comfortable majority.

Govindan said the Sabarimala issue had not emerged as a major negative factor in the local polls.

Citing voting data, he pointed out that the Left's vote share had increased significantly compared to the last Lok Sabha elections.

The LDF's vote share rose from 33.60 per cent in the parliamentary polls to 39.73 per cent in the local body elections, while its total vote count increased by over 17.35 lakh votes, from 66.65 lakh to 84.10 lakh.

In contrast, both the UDF and the BJP witnessed a decline in their vote share, he said.

An analysis of the local election results on the basis of Assembly constituencies showed that the LDF held a clear lead in nearly 60 segments and narrowly trailed in several others.

Govindan said many of these reverses were due to local issues, false propaganda by the Opposition, communal polarisation, and what he described as a sustained anti-Left campaign by sections of the media.

With the right political messaging and organisational strengthening, these areas could be reclaimed, he said.

The CPI(M) leader also alleged a tacit understanding between the UDF and the BJP, claiming that votes were mutually transferred depending on the nature of contests.

In Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, he pointed out, the UDF slipped to third place in 41 of the 50 wards won by the BJP, a pattern he said was reflected across the State.

Outlining the party's next steps, Govindan said employment guarantee protection assemblies would be held in all 23,000 wards on January 5.

Door-to-door campaigns would follow from January 15 to 22 to explain the State government's achievements and highlight what he termed the Centre's neglect of Kerala.

The campaign will culminate in protests and a vehicle rally in February, he said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arun Y
The claim of a UDF-BJP understanding in Thiruvananthapuram is very serious. If true, it shows how political opportunism is harming Kerala's secular fabric. The LDF needs to focus on governance and not just blame others. The employment guarantee assemblies are a good step forward đź‘Ť
R
Rahul R
As a Keralite, I feel the government has done well on many fronts like health and education. But the local body results show people are unhappy with hyper-local issues - waste management, roads, waterlogging. The party's analysis seems correct, but the solution must be local, not just statewide messaging.
S
Sarah B
Interesting data point about the vote share increase from Lok Sabha to local polls. It suggests a stronger ground game for the Left. However, trailing in several assembly segments is a clear warning sign before the big election. The vehicle rally in Feb will be key to gauge momentum.
M
Manish T
Blaming "sections of the media" is an old tactic. The LDF should do some introspection. Maybe people want a change? The confidence of a "comfortable majority" sounds overconfident. They need to earn it by addressing real problems, not just highlighting central neglect. Respectfully, this attitude is why they faced a setback.
K
Kavya N
The focus on employment guarantee is spot on! After the floods and pandemic, job security is the biggest concern for families here. If they can deliver on that promise, they will definitely bounce back. Wishing them the best for the assembly polls! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50