Rot in Left goes deeper than just poll debacle: M. A. Baby

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of CPM central committee adopting the Lok Sabha election review report that called for a self analysis of the working of party units and functionaries, party politburo member M A Baby said the Left should not limit its critique to election analysis. Instead, all aspects, including the political, organisational, administrative and behavioural issues leading to loss of public support and its might should be reviewed, he said.
In an article published in 'Pachakuthira' magazine, Baby said the dangers associated with the absence of a strong left bloc in the country at this juncture would be frightening and its impact beyond comprehension.
Even while accepting the argument that the position and importance of the bloc should not be evaluated only on the basis of electoral performance, the serious setback it faced in elections cannot be glossed over,” he said. Taking a cue from the central committee report, Baby said the diminishing presence of Left parties in Parliament and the increasing grip of right-wing forces in southern states and Odisha were major concerns and they should be addressed effectively. “The Left cannot overcome this crisis unless it makes earnest efforts to find reasons for the current plight.
Though CPM documents have time and again stressed the importance of self-correction, there are several areas that still require urgent correction. Correcting mistakes is a continuing process,” he said. According to him, the Left needs to take concrete steps to increase its public influence and trust and it would be possible only if it engaged itself in a “fearless and open self-criticism in a manner convincing to the public”, he said.
The right-wing forces and vested interests will always try their best to hinder the process of self-correction. Baseless allegations had also played a significant role in the unjustified setback the Left received in the election. This being so, the Left should be able to resist such smear campaigns, Baby said. “If the weaknesses and faults are addressed properly, it would only bring joy to reactionaries and a section of nasty media.
The Left, including the CPM, should meticulously practise the concept of teaching people after learning from them. Giving a patient hearing to people is equally important as speaking to them,” he added. Meanwhile, CPM state secretary M V Govindan -- in his reporting to party branch secretaries — warned the functionaries to be cautious against those who try to misuse party positions and proximity to it. “Many consider party work as a means to make money,” he said.
Govindan said party branches should understand its failure in gauging its ground support in the election. He also wanted party functionaries not to keep away from activities relating to religious beliefs. Even if party members abstain from such functions, party sympathisers should actively engage themselves in those functions. He also underscored the importance of good behaviour and reminded functionaries about the importance of actively participating in marriage functions and deaths happening in their areas.