The party says the ‘ascendancy of right-wing communal forces’ in multiple states is a challenge for secular and democratic politics in India
NEW DELHI — Reacting to assembly election results, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has acknowledged a historic setback in Kerala as the party-led Left Democratic Front failed to retain power in the state. It marked the first time since 1977 that the Left Front was no longer in power in any Indian state. Earlier, it had ruled West Bengal and Tripura for several years.
The party, in its official assessment of the results, on Monday highlighted two major developments — the defeat of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala after a decade in office, and the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal.
The LDF government, which had completed two consecutive terms, was voted out despite what the CPI-M described as efforts to advance welfare policies under financial constraints imposed by the Union government. The defeat brings an end to the Left’s last remaining government in the country.
In West Bengal, the BJP’s victory signals a major political realignment in a state that was once a Left stronghold for over three decades. The CPI-M attributed the outcome to strong anti-incumbency against the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), alongside what it described as a “communal and divisive campaign,” extensive financial resources, and the alleged misuse of central agencies, including the Election Commission of India.
The results in Assam and Puducherry also reinforced the BJP’s growing influence, with the party retaining power in Assam and securing victory in Puducherry in alliance with the All India N R Congress.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance suffered a setback, with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as a significant political force.
The CPI-M expressed concern over what it termed the “ascendancy of right-wing communal forces” in multiple states, calling it a challenge for secular and democratic politics in India. Despite the losses, the party noted a marginal improvement in its performance in West Bengal under highly polarised conditions.
Respecting the electoral verdict, the CPI-M said it would undertake a detailed introspection into the reasons behind its defeat in Kerala. The party also reaffirmed its commitment to continue struggles for people’s rights and the defence of secularism and democracy.
The Polit Bureau and Central Committee of the CPI-M are expected to meet soon to conduct a comprehensive review of the results and chart a strategy to address the emerging political landscape.
