CPM to get rid of humiliation of defeat in Vadakara; new offer for KK Shailaja, party planning to make changes in cabinet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports are claiming that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government might try to restore its image by learning lessons from the setback in the Lok Sabha elections. It is indicated that the LDF is planning to bring KK Shailaja into the cabinet as part of this. Even among the party ranks, there is an opinion that the performance of some CPM ministers in the cabinet is very bad. It is pointed out that this was reflected in the election results.

CPM has to find a minister to replace Minister K Radhakrishnan in the cabinet. According to reports, the party might use this situation to remove some ministers from the cabinet and change the portfolios of some others. The setback in the Lok Sabha elections has made the party realise that it might put up a miserable performance in the upcoming local body elections and assembly elections if it goes forward without making any significant changes.

The party is very well aware that the anti-government sentiments and the allegations raised against the Chief Minister and his daughter also contributed to the defeat in the elections. However, it is doubtful whether the CPM and LDF will attempt to put the blame on the Chief Minister. Matters, including the revamp of the state cabinet, are likely to be discussed in the CPM State Secretariat that will convene the day after tomorrow. Some people have started raising the criticism that the party did not put much effort into ensuring the victory of the candidates. This may also be discussed in the State Secretariat.

Looking at the vote share in the Lok Sabha elections, the UDF came out on top in 109 of the 140 assembly constituencies of the state. The LDF came first in only 20 assembly constituencies. The fact that disturbs the CPM the most is that the BJP came first in 11 constituencies in the state. The BJP managed to come first in constituencies such as Nemom, Kazhakoottam, Vattiyoorkavu, Attingal, Kattakkada, Ollur, Manalur, Thrissur, Nattika, Iringalakuda and Puthukkad. The Left Front had won 99 constituencies in the assembly elections held in 2021. The UDF won in 41 constituencies, while the BJP did not get any seats.