CPM Kerala panel to discuss rout

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state committee of the CPM will meet here next week for a detailed debate on the setback suffered by the party and LDF in the Lok Sabha polls. The debate based on the central committee (CC) review of Kerala's results will also examine detailed analysis report from 20 parliament constituency committees. The state committee has been tentatively scheduled for June 23 and 24, said sources.
While reviewing Kerala debacle, the CPM CC levelled serious criticism on the party's detachment from masses, which resulted in inflated estimates of victory even after the date of poll. General secretary Sitaram Yechury who attended a public function in Thrissur last week reminded Kerala comrades about the method suggested by EMS Namboothirippad when in confusion. EMS used to tell cadres to meet more people and work among them whenever the party is in confusion about its policies.

The CC review has asked the state committee to take appropriate steps to rectify the mistakes and shortcomings that had led to the party's failure to understand people's mood.
Specific discussions will be held on the BJP factor, which needs to be contained urgently, as per the CC's review. "The BJP were able to get 15.56% votes, even after transferring a portion of their votes to the UDF. This is a matter of serious concern. Patient and concerted political, ideological and organizational work is necessary to contain the growth of the BJP in Kerala", notes the review.
Another factor that had puzzled the CC was the failure in cashing in on the good performance of the LDF government. "By and large, there was good appreciation among the people about the overall performance of the LDF government. Why we have failed to transform the appreciation of the people into electoral support is a matter that has to be looked into and areas have to be identified, where remedial steps need to be taken," said the CC review. The CPM state committee will brainstorm about new plans to popularize the good initiatives of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.