Why did Communist Parties become irrelevant in General Election 2024?

18th Lok Sabha Elections: Verdict on Indian Lefts’ Ideology and Relevancy

In the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India, the CPI(M) and Left parties made very marginal gains. However, the CPI (M) encountered defeat in West Bengal (0/42) and Kerala against their INDIA alliance partners. The post-election analyses revealed a lack of distinct ideology and relevance for the Left parties in Indian politics. Additionally, the Communist International’s demise and foreign influence have clouded the vision of the present “Lefts.” The election results underscore the people’s resistance against the Left Party`s attacks on democracy, the Constitution, and livelihood.

The self-rejection

Reassessment of CPI(M)’s Performance in West Bengal

The recent election outcomes in West Bengal shed light on the challenges faced by CPI(M) as an alliance partner with the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) (29/42) within the INDIA Composition. Despite this alliance in INDIA, CPI(M) suffered a significant setback, particularly against the All India Trinamool Congress (Left failed to have an alliance with TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP- 12/42). The electoral landscape revealed the complexities of navigating partnerships and the historical context of strained relations with the National Congress.

Furthermore, the historical backdrop of violence in 1972-73 in West Bengal, along with the portrayal of the National Congress as a capitalist party led by figures such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, has influenced CPI(M)’s political narrative. The resistance against capitalist forces and the influence of corporations in Bengal and Kerala has been integral to the historic left movement’s ideology.

Moving forward, a reevaluation of strategies and a cohesive approach will be essential for CPI(M) to realign its priorities and strengthen its position within the political sphere, particularly in West Bengal. By addressing these complex dynamics and historical tensions, CPI(M) can strive to regain relevance and effectively communicate its vision to the electorate.

Post-Poll Analysis: 18th Lok Sabha Elections

The post-poll analysis of the 18th Lok Sabha elections (BJP got 240/543) presents a complex picture of the political landscape for the Indian Left parties. The interactions with Congress and the impact of the alliance with the INDIA bloc have sparked contrasting sentiments within the Left.

The alliance dynamics have resulted in a divergence of outcomes in different states. In Bengal, the Left faced setbacks against the Trinamool Congress (INDIA ally) while finding a more favorable position with the Congress (INDIA ally) in Kerala. These contrasting scenarios have raised questions about the inherent ideology and effectiveness of the Left’s election agendas.

The focus has shifted towards celebrating the joint seats secured within the INDIA bloc, amounting to 233 out of 543. However, this approach seemingly overlooks the substantial losses and the crucial matter of public relevancy. This introspective period demands critical assessments to comprehend the true impact of the election results on the Left’s position and relevance in Indian politics. It is apparent that the Left parties will need to reevaluate their ideologies and strategies to create a more significant and lasting impact on the Indian electorate.

The complexities and contradictions highlighted in the post-election analysis present an opportunity for the Left to introspect, redefine its priorities, and reestablish meaningful connections with the Indian people.

The relevance and stance of the Left parties in Indian politics have been a subject of debate and scrutiny. It is evident that the Left parties have faced challenges in conveying a clear and distinct ideology to the Indian electorate. The influence of Sanatan Dharma, a core element of Indian politics, has played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the political landscape.

Furthermore, the management of Muslim voters by various non-BJP parties has been a notable aspect of the election scenario. The Left parties’ historical association with the old USSR-China-led leftist international (Communist International), now considered defunct, has raised questions about their current guidance and allegiances, particularly with the influence of multiple foreign-sponsored NGOs.

In West Bengal, the perception of Left politics ranges from being considered a mere spectacle to being preserved as a relic of the past. The need for clarity in the vision and mission of the Left parties is evident, as well as the necessity to establish meaningful relevance and resonance in contemporary Indian politics.

The disconnect between the Left politics and the masses in India, particularly at the state level, is evident. The alliance with their rivals in the form of the INDIA bloc raises questions about the rationale behind their “Left Movement”. It’s clear that there is a need for introspection within the Left parties to understand their relevance and connection with the people they aim to represent. The recent election results and their minimal impact on state politics highlight the pressing need for the Left parties to re-evaluate and redefine their ideology and approach in order to regain relevance and trust among the Indian electorate.

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on 04/06/2024:

People’s Verdict: Setback for BJP

The results of the 18th Lok Sabha election are a setback for the BJP. It has lost its majority in the Lok Sabha which it had got in the past two Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019. This is a stinging blow to the image of invincibility built around Narendra Modi, who had boasted about winning 400 seats in this election.

The elections were held in the background of all out attacks on the opposition parties, misuse of Central agencies and massive use of money power. The Polit Bureau congratulates the people for standing up to these authoritarian attacks and safeguarding the Constitution, democracy and civil rights.

The INDIA bloc has put up a creditable showing having taken up the issues of unemployment, price rise, agrarian distress and the attacks on democracy and the Constitution. They were able to a considerable extent counter the communal electioneering indulged in by Modi and the BJP.

The results would have been more adverse for the BJP and the NDA if the Election Commission had ensured a level-playing field. It’s abject failure to curb the inflammatory communal rhetoric of Narendra Modi and enforce the Model Code of Conduct is a blot on the reputation of the Commission.

The CPI(M) and the Left parties have registered a marginal improvement in their tally. A more detailed analysis will be undertaken after the full election results are available.

The verdict signals that the people are going to fight back all attacks on democracy, the Constitution and their livelihood.

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued the Following Press release on the 2024 General election.

05/06/2024

The results of the 18th Lok Sabha election have ended the one-party authoritarian, corporate-backed communal fascist rule of BJP headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The people of India have given their verdict in defence of our constitution and the secular democratic fabric of our country and against the politics of hate, discrimination, growing unemployment, attacks on federalism, minorities, democratic and human rights and unparallel miseries of the people with high price rise.

CPI congratulates the people for opposing and challenging the BJP by giving their verdict in defence of “Idea of India” enshrined in the constitution.

While congratulating the parties of INDIA block for their performances, CPI believes that the BJP could have been cut to size more if there could have been better seat-sharing among the partners and united campaigns.

CPI also wants to register its criticism against the Election Commission of India for its failure to contain the hate speeches by Narendra Modi on the issues of communal polarization.

CPI will continue to play its important role within the INDIA block as it can play an important role in mobilizing the Indian people in defence of their fundamental rights and for a better future.

The results of the Left as a whole and CPI in particular demands proper introspection. Party will critically review the election results when detailed reports will be available.

Basic Data:

Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M) won only 4 seats with 1.76% vote share (All India)
Communist Party of India – CPI won only 2 seats with 0.49 % vote share (All India)
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) – CPI(ML)(L) won only 2 seats with 0.27 % vote share (All India)
In Kerala CPI(M) got only one seat from the Alathur Parliamentary Constituency, whereas their INDIA alliance partner Congress won 14 seats against them.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) lost all seats in West Bengal after ruling for 30 years under Joti Basu and Buddhadev Bhattacharya (under the banner of Left Front)

Result of the Andhra and Odisha Assembly Election 2024

The performance of the Left Communist Parties in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha reflects the significant challenges they faced in securing electoral representation in these regions. The inability to win a single seat in 175 constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, along with only securing one seat out of 174 in Odisha for the CPI(M), underscores the complex electoral relevancy and the need for the Left parties to reassess their strategies and outreach in these states. This outcome necessitates a critical examination of the factors contributing to their limited success and underscores the pressing need for the Left parties to realign their priorities and strengthen their position within these regions.

Reassessing Left Parties’ Electoral Strategy in 2024

The left parties, under the leadership of Biman Bose, faced significant challenges in the 2024 election campaign, leading to a lack of preparedness and a disconnection from their traditional secular voter base. The confusion in leadership and the confrontational approach against the TMC contributed to a thwarted outreach strategy. In contrast, their efforts to form a successful INDIA alliance against the BJP were hindered by the nomination of inexperienced candidates who struggled to effectively convey their election messaging to the voters. As a result, many of their traditional supporters opted for the BJP, further complicating the electoral landscape. Moving forward, the left parties are in need of strategic guidance and a cohesive approach to ensure their relevance and success within the ever-evolving Indian political sphere.

Revisiting the Evolution of Communist Vision in India

The Communist movement in India historically championed the resolution of labor issues and the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly through the empowerment of small-scale industries. Job security and mitigating market inflation were focal points, along with advocating for fair access to basic necessities, such as rational and free ration distribution for those in need. Additionally, land reforms stood as a flagship program, aimed at addressing historical inequities.

Over time, there has been a shift in public perception, with some viewing the Communist parties as disconnected from their original vision and focused solely on their association with the Congress Party. This perception has led to the portrayal of the Communist parties as anti-Hindu, incapable of effecting change and solely preoccupied with political alliances.

The transition in public perception signifies a need for the Communist parties to reconnect with their foundational principles and effectively communicate their vision for addressing contemporary challenges while staying true to their historical commitments. By formulating their priorities and public messaging, the Communist parties can strive to regain public trust and reaffirm their relevance in the Indian political landscape.

By Tanmoy Bhattacharyya

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