CPI(M) vows reforms after Kerala poll defeat

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has begun an internal review of its organisational weaknesses following its disappointing performance in the Kerala Assembly elections, with the party leadership promising corrective measures and efforts to regain public trust.

The CPI(M)'s extended state committee meeting began in Kozhikode on Sunday and will continue for three days. Senior leader Paloli Mohammed Kutty hoisted the party flag, while general secretary MA Baby delivered the inaugural address.

A draft report prepared by the state secretariat on the party's election defeat was presented during the meeting. The report was based on reviews conducted at several levels, from local branches to the state organisation. Party leaders have been given an opportunity to discuss the findings, with the debate expected to continue until Monday night.

A public rally is scheduled to be held in Kozhikode on Tuesday.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan acknowledged that the party had identified organisational weaknesses and lapses during the review process. He said the leadership was prepared to address the shortcomings and adopt what it considers the appropriate political and organisational course.

Govindan, however, did not disclose specific details about the lapses identified in the review. He also said the draft report did not contain personal criticism of individual leaders.

The meeting is being closely watched because of questions over the party's election campaign and leadership. There has been particular discussion about the defeats suffered in traditional strongholds such as Payyannur and Taliparamba in Kannur district, where candidate selection became a subject of internal debate.

A central committee report prepared in July had already acknowledged problems with the campaign. It said the election campaign had become increasingly personalised around former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. According to the report, this gave the opposition United Democratic Front an opportunity to focus its campaign against Vijayan.

The central report also identified other issues that may have affected the party's electoral prospects. It described the reading of a message from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a Sabarimala-related event as damaging to the CPI(M)'s secular image.

The report also acknowledged that the party had failed to respond strongly enough to anti-Muslim remarks attributed to SNDP chief Vellappally Natesan.

During his inaugural address, MA Baby said a false perception about the Left Democratic Front had been created among sections of the public. He argued that the party should have challenged that narrative more effectively but failed to do so.

Baby acknowledged that there were other shortcomings as well and said the party needed to correct them in order to rebuild confidence among voters.

The Kozhikode meeting therefore represents an important organisational exercise for the CPI(M) as it examines the reasons behind its electoral setback. While the leadership has acknowledged mistakes, the detailed discussions among party members are expected to determine the reforms and political strategy that will follow.

The party's immediate challenge will be to translate the internal review into concrete organisational changes and reconnect with voters across Kerala.