Left divided and clueless over revival strategy

Acharia, who tasted defeat at the hands of TMC candidate and actress Moonmoon Sen from the Bankura seat, also underlined the need to take a fresh look at the approach of the Left movement in order to make it more effective.  

“The neo-liberal policies that we are fighting against are still effective. But we need to have a re-look at our approach through various movements,” he said.  On May 27, for the first time in the history of the CPI(M), a rally was organised outside the Alimuddin Street, the party headquarters by both present and expelled leaders, who questioned the party's top brass and demanded an immediate change in leadership to save it from being wiped out from the state.

Political analysts feel that the CPI(M), which witnessed its worst ever tally since its formation in 1964, is facing the threat of losing the opposition space to BJP, which is gaining strength in the state.

A veteran state committee member feels that there is a need to bring in new blood at the top level.  “Leadership change is a continuous process in the party and it would be good if there is rejig at all levels of the organisation,” said the leader, who did not wish to be named.  

The Left partners such as Forward Bloc, RSP and CPI, which have failed to win a single seat in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time in last four decades, are much more aggressive about the dos and don'ts to revive the Left in the state.