Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 (NationPress) Following accusations from senior Congress leader and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ramesh Chennithala, who labeled the CPI(M) as engaging in “political theatrics” to obscure a decade of governance shortcomings, internal directives for Left workers have come to light, supporting his claims.

The guidelines, distributed among party members in anticipation of a more vigorous door-to-door outreach initiative, clearly advise workers to refrain from engaging in disputes with households, irrespective of the complaints or issues raised. Cadres are instructed to maintain a cordial demeanor, listen attentively, and avoid contentious discussions, especially when faced with sensitive topics currently trending in public conversations.

These subjects include the Sabarimala gold heist scandal, involving four key figures associated with the ruling Left who are currently incarcerated, as well as broader critiques of the Pinarayi Vijayan administration since it took office in 2016. Detractors suggest that this directive to bypass debate illustrates the party’s discomfort in justifying its track record amidst rising public dissatisfaction.

The CPI(M)’s renewed grassroots engagement occurs at a politically precarious moment. Assembly elections are set for April - May, just months after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) faced a major defeat in the local body elections held in December throughout Kerala.

In light of this, senior party officials, including CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, have been visiting homes to communicate the party’s stance and advocate for a third successive term under Pinarayi Vijayan.

Chennithala, however, has dismissed this initiative as a self-serving maneuver. He contended that voters would recognize the Left's “sudden humility”—entering homes, seeking forgiveness, and soliciting support only as elections approach.

“After causing significant harm to the public for ten years, this scripted apology will not deceive the populace,” he asserted.

According to Chennithala, public opinion in Kerala has decisively shifted against the Left administration due to allegations of corruption, authoritarian governance, and a perceived disconnect with the average citizen. The emergence of the CPI(M)’s internal guidelines, he argued, only strengthens the belief that the ruling party is preparing for an unfriendly reception at the doorstep—resorting to silence and politeness when providing answers is becoming increasingly challenging.