The CPI(M) in Kerala has admitted to a string of political errors that contributed to its recent electoral setback, but the party leadership appears set to remain unchanged despite growing criticism from within its ranks.
A report prepared by the party Secretariat ahead of Monday’s state committee meeting has identified several decisions that it believes hurt the party politically. At the same time, discussions held across different organisational levels have revealed wider unease over leadership style, internal functioning and the party’s public image.
The review comes as the CPI(M) attempts to understand one of its most significant electoral reverses in recent years. While the official report focuses on specific political and organisational mistakes, deliberations within the party have also centred on questions of accountability and the role played by senior leaders in shaping the outcome.
According to the report, one of the party’s mistakes was its failure to maintain distance from SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan. It also acknowledged serious shortcomings in candidate selection in Thaliparamba.
Another issue flagged by the report was the controversy surrounding the reading of a message from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the Ayyappa Sangamam event. The report noted that the episode diluted the significance of the programme and ended up causing political damage to the party.
Criticism extends beyond campaign decisions
Party sources said discussions at area, district and state-level meetings went beyond these individual incidents.
A recurring concern raised by members was the functioning of the leadership, particularly the perception that the party had developed an image of arrogance. Several members reportedly linked the electoral defeat to the style of functioning associated with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the leadership’s approach towards cadres and the public.
State Secretary MV Govindan, too, came under fire during the discussions. Several members expressed unhappiness over the way the party leadership interacted with cadres and handled organisational matters, saying the disconnect had widened over time.
Leadership remains intact despite internal criticism
Even as criticism surfaced across party forums, there was no serious challenge to the top leadership. The report notes that Pinarayi Vijayan’s appointment as Leader of Opposition was backed unanimously.
Party sources say Vijayan continues to command significant influence within the State Secretariat, a factor that helped him weather calls from some quarters for a more comprehensive review of the leadership following the electoral setback.
The leadership also succeeded in resisting demands for a special state plenum that would have undertaken a detailed examination of the electoral defeat.
Many within the party believed such a meeting could have triggered a deeper debate on accountability and subjected both Vijayan and Govindan to greater scrutiny.
Corrective measures planned over next three months
Instead of convening a special plenum, the party has decided to continue discussions through lower-level committees and implement corrective measures over the next three months.
For now, the emphasis seems to be on fixing organisational shortcomings, not reshuffling the leadership.