CPI(M) failed to counter false narratives, says Kerala party chief

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) fell short in its communication strategy ahead of Kerala's recent elections, according to M.A. Baby, a key figure in the party's state leadership. Speaking at the opening of a three-day extended State committee gathering in Kozhikode, Baby acknowledged that the party should have been more vigilant in dismantling and countering the narrative that took root among voters.

Baby's assessment suggests the CPI(M) underestimated the challenge posed by competing political messages and failed to adequately mobilise its counter-narrative machinery. The remark points to a broader concern within the party that external perceptions, rather than policy shortcomings alone, contributed significantly to the electoral outcome.

The extended State committee meeting, convened in Kozhikode, provides a platform for the CPI(M) to conduct a post-election review and chart its strategic direction. The party's introspection comes as it seeks to understand voter sentiment and recalibrate its approach for future political contests in the state.