CPM suffered major defeat, it is dangerous that BJP got seat: MV Govindan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State Secretary MV Govindan on Thursday said that the Left has suffered a major defeat in Kerala in the Lok Sabha elections. "The dangerous thing is that BJP got a seat. Could not understand the attitude of the people in the last election," he said. He was meeting the media after the CPM leadership meetings held to evaluate the election defeat.

"The most important slogan raised by the left democratic forces across India was that the BJP government should be brought down. The BJP thought that this time too it could win the majority to run a Hindutva-fascist style of government by destroying the democratic secular federal system and the constitution. The entire BJP leadership, including the Prime Minister, said that the BJP would win 370 to 430 seats. However, it didn't happen. If it had got just thirty or thirty-seven more seats, the INDIA bloc could have come to power with a majority," Govindan said.

"In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front could not achieve the expected success. It was a big failure. UDF won 18 seats. The most dangerous thing is that BJP managed to win one seat. Like in 2019, we have managed to win only one seat. CPM cannot form the government at the national level. There is a feeling in the secular community, especially in the minority section, that the possibility lies with Congress. This has affected," he added.

"Jamaat-e-Islami, SDPI,etc functioned as a front. All of them contest in other elections. But they did not contest in the Lok Sabha elections. For those contesting in very few seats, this time it has resulted in communal polarization. Jamaat-e-Islami, which claims to want Muslim politics, acted as a front against the left. It will be a far-reaching problem for secular Kerala. The secular minded majority of minority religions will not accept it politically."

"He alleged that various caste organizations had succumbed to communal forces for various reasons. The SNDP leadership switched votes for the Sangh Parivar. A section of the Christian community has taken a stand in favour of the BJP this time. There can be many reasons for it, including threats. Congress lost votes in Thrissur because of this reason. CPM's decision is to go to the people. People will be approached with caution. The party will work to change the misunderstanding among the people. A thorough inspection was carried out in defeat."

"The benefits including pension were not perfectly given. That problem was also reflected in the vote. People's minds will be understood and the work will be done efficiently. There was an attempt to destroy Pinarayi Vijayan's image by attacking him alone. The attack targeted Pinarayi and his family. Such propaganda influenced the people. Right-wing media ran anti-communist propaganda. In the wake of the defeat, the government's actions will be outlined. The party will also examine what should be prioritized. The setback to the party will be examined from head to toe. Mass gatherings will be held in all local committees," Govindan added.