No sentimental issues like Sabarimala; what lesson does this political setback teach CPM?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The people's verdict in the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala is a huge setback for the CPM and the LDF. The Left Front, which managed to win only one seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, is going through a similar situation this time as well. Only Minister K Radhakrishnan has been able to make clear progress among the LDF candidates. This election result will certainly make the CPM sit up and think.

In 2019, factors such as the entry of women in Sabarimala and the possibility of Rahul Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister had influenced the election. However, there was no such situation in Kerala this time. A complete political battle took place in Kerala. The politics put forward by the left and right fronts and its importance at the national level were discussed among the voters. The results show that the people have completely abandoned the CPM in this election.

During the campaigning, the CPM had claimed that if Congress candidates were voted to power, they would join the BJP after the election. However, the voters responded by giving huge leads to the BJP in Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. The fact that the BJP is becoming an unavoidable force in Kerala will also disturb the CPM.

The election result in Kerala can be interpreted as the people's assessment of the state government. The fact that the LDF candidates are trailing in most constituencies proves that voters have expressed strong disagreement and opposition towards the second Pinarayi government. The people's verdict sends a message that the CPM must make changes in various matters, including its approach to state administration.

The results show that the CPM's assertion that the BJP won't grow in Left Front strongholds has also been refuted in Kerala. In 2021, the BJP lost its only sitting seat in the Kerala assembly elections. However, now it is making a strong comeback by ensuring a seat in Lok Sabha from Kerala. This will pose a big political challenge to the CPM in the upcoming local body elections and the 2026 assembly elections. The election result sends a message that the government and the party need to change their attitude towards the people.