CPI(M) to debate on poll debacle in its Central Committee meet

On the political line, Left leaders, including those from CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc, have pointed out that BJP had taken full advantage of the people's anger against Congress and its policies on one hand, and the complete absence of a non- Congress, non-BJP alternative in these elections on the other.

They have also called for serious introspection within their own parties as well as within the Left on the role they would play in the coming days.

The reports from CPI(M) state units, including West Bengal and Kerala, were placed yesterday before the Politburo and before the Central Committee which triggered the debate.

Speculations about top leaders offering to quit the Politburo came weeks after former CPI(M) stalwart Somnath Chatterjee pitched for an immediate change in the party's leadership, accusing it of losing contact with the masses. The former Lok Sabha Speaker was expelled from CPI(M) in 2008.

The reports had said Yechury's offer to quit was earlier rejected by party leaders, including General Secretary Prakash Karat who has been speaking of “collective responsibility”, while Yechury himself had said “all that is nonsense. I never discuss inner-party issues outside.”

Yechury, a Rajya Sabha member, is the leader of CPI(M)'s parliamentary group. He is also a long-time Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.