Kerala’s CPI-M factionalism contributed to BJP’s historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Internal party conflicts, poor candidate selection, and political controversies weakened the Left Democratic Front, reshaping Kerala’s capital political landscape ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.
The recent municipal elections in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation marked a significant political shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won control of the corporation for the first time ever. The surprising outcome has been widely attributed to deep-rooted factionalism and internal discord within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI-M] district unit, which severely weakened the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) traditional stronghold in Kerala’s capital city.
The CPI-M’s Thiruvananthapuram district committee meeting held on Monday laid bare the party’s internal struggles. State secretary M.V. Govindan chaired the meeting that saw unusually candid criticism directed at the district leadership, former mayor Arya Rajendran, and the overall handling of the party’s political strategy. The candid discussions acknowledged that internal disputes fractured the party’s unity, which proved decisive in the BJP’s unprecedented municipal victory.
Several party members pointed to Arya Rajendran’s leadership style, accusing her of arrogance and administrative heavy-handedness that alienated many voters. This sentiment was strongly echoed by former mayor V.K. Prasanth, who reportedly spearheaded the critique, highlighting a loss of connection with grassroots voters. The alienation of voters traditionally loyal to the CPI-M created an opening for the BJP to make significant inroads.
A striking revelation from the meeting was the existence of multiple factions within the district unit. Party members described the district leadership as functioning with “three secretaries,” each leading rival factions. This infighting resulted in conflicting decisions and paralysis in organizational strategy. The absence of a cohesive and unified leadership team was deemed a critical failure that undermined the CPI-M’s campaign efforts.
Another major flaw discussed was the poor candidate selection process. Delays and lack of coordination during candidate nomination allowed several self-appointed candidates to contest in multiple wards, diluting the party’s electoral strength. In stark contrast, both BJP and Congress efficiently fielded high-profile and popular candidates who resonated with urban voters, putting the CPI-M at a distinct disadvantage in a closely contested election.
The political fallout from the Sabarimala gold smuggling controversy was also recognized as a damaging factor. Party insiders admitted that the scandal eroded the CPI-M’s credibility, particularly among the urban middle-class demographic, who traditionally comprise a significant voter base in the capital. Additionally, political fallout from the Chief Minister’s controversial association with SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan further complicated matters.
While defending the decision to organize the Global Ayyappa Conclave, several members questioned the political wisdom of publicly reading out greetings from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the event. This move was perceived as politically tone-deaf and gave the opposition further ammunition to question the party’s stance on sensitive cultural issues.
Critics at the meeting warned that the CPI-M’s increasing focus on governance had overshadowed its political activism, causing the party to lose its traditional edge in public engagement. This perceived complacency allowed the BJP to effectively capitalize on the political vacuum in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Also Read: Bihar Cyber Cell Demands Meta Account Details Over CM Threat |
The election loss is seen as a major setback for the ruling Left Democratic Front just months ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April-May next year. Party leaders are under pressure to resolve internal conflicts and rebuild voter trust if they hope to maintain their dominance in the state.
As Kerala’s political landscape evolves, the CPI-M’s struggle to overcome factionalism and present a united front will be crucial in determining the future of left politics in the state’s capital. Meanwhile, the BJP’s breakthrough victory signals a potentially transformative shift in Kerala’s traditionally left-leaning political dynamics.
