Defeat in Kerala could leave CPM without rule in any Indian state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As vote counting progresses, indications suggest that the LDF may lose power in Kerala after 10 years in office. If this happens, the CPM will no longer be in power in any state in India.

This would be the first time since 1977 that there is no Communist government in any state in the country. After ruling West Bengal for 34 years, the CPM was voted out in 2011. It also lost power in Tripura in 2018. Since then, Kerala has been the only state governed by the Left.

Several factors are believed to have contributed to the setback for the CPM, including anti-incumbency sentiment, the BJP’s growing presence, the party’s involvement in caste and community organisations, partnerships with large private projects such as the Vizhinjam port, and allegations of corruption. Signs of this shift were already visible during the last Lok Sabha elections in Kerala.

Decline in West Bengal
The CPM, which dominated West Bengal from 1977 to 2011, has now been reduced to a minor force in the state. In the 2016 Assembly elections, even after contesting in alliance with the Congress, the party won only 26 seats, down from 40 seats in 2011.

Tripura
In Tripura, the CPM’s defeat in 2018 ended 25 years of Left rule. The BJP, which had less than 2% vote share earlier, came to power in the state. Despite securing around 46% of the vote, the Left Front lost power. Analysts say a strong anti-Left wave helped the BJP win in Tripura.