In a decisive move that underscores the complex political dynamics of Kerala, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has officially ruled out forming any alliance or understanding with the Congress party to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from gaining power in key local bodies. This announcement comes directly from CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, following a review of the recent local body election results.
Political Stalemate in Key Urban Bodies
The decision gains significance in light of the election outcomes in two major urban local bodies where the BJP has emerged as a formidable force. In the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the BJP secured victory in 50 wards. The combined strength of the CPI(M) and the Congress in the corporation is 48 wards, with two independents holding the balance of power.
The scenario is similarly poised in the Palakkad municipality. The 53-member council sees the BJP as the single largest party with 25 members. The CPI(M), with 8 members, and the Congress, with 17 members, together match the BJP's tally of 25. The council also has three independent members, making them crucial for any majority formation.
National Allies, State Rivals
This refusal to collaborate at the local level highlights the peculiar political contradiction in Kerala. While both the CPI(M) and the Congress are constituent parties of the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level, they remain arch-rivals within the state's political arena. The BJP's strategic gains in these urban centers have effectively disrupted the traditional bipolar politics of Kerala.
Govindan was categorical in his statement, emphasizing the party's principled stand. "Our decision is to accept the verdict. CPI(M) does not require power for survival. There would be no understanding with the Congress to keep the BJP out of power," he stated, also ruling out any "horse trading" to alter the results.
Electural Calculations and Upcoming Assembly Polls
Political analysts suggest that the reluctance to join hands stems from deep-seated apprehensions ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, which are just four months away. Both major fronts, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), fear that a last-minute coalition in local bodies could send confusing signals to their respective voter bases and become a major electoral liability.
Furthermore, the election results have thrown up another challenge in several panchayats and block panchayats. Here, fringe groups like the Welfare Party of India (linked to Jamaat-e-Islami) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) (associated with the banned Popular Front of India) have become kingmakers where mainstream parties fell short of a majority. Both the Congress and the CPI(M) are expected to tread extremely cautiously to ensure that any necessary support from these groups is not weaponized by opponents during the high-stakes assembly campaign.
Addressing the broader electoral outcome, Govindan dismissed the role of anti-incumbency against the state government. He pointed to the party's performance in seven of the 14 district panchayats as evidence that its base remains intact. However, he acknowledged the need for a review. "The party will examine the setback in central Kerala, where Christians are strong in numbers, and in Malappuram, where Muslims dominate," he said. He also confirmed that the impact of the Sabarimala gold scandal on the polls would be part of this examination.
The CPI(M)'s firm stance sets the stage for a period of political uncertainty in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad, with the BJP now in a position to attempt forming administrations, likely by seeking support from independent members.
