The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Monday, 26 May called for the revival of the Opposition INDIA bloc in the wake of recent Assembly election results, while directly criticising the Congress — the alliance's largest constituent — for what it described as an approach that undermines secular unity. The party's Central Committee (CC) met in New Delhi from 22 to 24 May to assess the electoral setbacks.

CPI(M) on Congress and Alliance Unity

In a formal party statement, the CPI(M) said: 'The attitude of the Congress towards other opposition parties is not helpful in building the unity of secular forces in a united fight against the RSS-BJP, which is the need of the hour.' The remark signals deepening friction within the INDIA bloc at a moment when opposition consolidation is considered critical ahead of future electoral contests.

The party firmly rejected allegations that it had struck a 'deal' with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the Kerala polls, calling such claims 'malicious and baseless.' The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) lost its last stronghold in Kerala to the United Democratic Front (UDF), in which Congress is the principal partner.

Post-Election Introspection Across States

The Kerala state committee has begun gathering opinions across party levels to understand the electoral reversal. 'On the basis of these discussions, corrective measures for the identified weaknesses will be undertaken,' the statement noted. A similar internal review will be conducted in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.

The CC termed the CPI(M)'s return to the West Bengal Assembly a 'positive development,' with one candidate winning a seat — a modest but symbolically significant recovery after the party's near-wipeout in the 2021 elections. One party functionary also won from Mahe in Puducherry as an Independent.

BJP's Southern Footprint and Electoral Roll Concerns

CC members acknowledged the BJP's expanding presence in southern India, though they characterised its seat tally in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as a 'nominal number,' while expressing concern over 'their spread.' The party also accused the BJP of manipulating delimitation to reduce the political weight of southern states — an allegation the BJP has not formally responded to.

The CPI(M) further criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that lakhs of voters had been disenfranchised under 'logical discrepancies' — a charge that adds to a growing chorus of opposition concerns over the integrity of voter registration processes.

Economic Grievances and Labour Code Opposition

Despite government claims of economic stability, the CPI(M) argued that the economy remains in distress — pointing to rising unemployment, stressed MSMEs, fertiliser shortages in agriculture, a rupee at historic lows, depleting foreign exchange reserves, and fuel price hikes implemented after elections concluded. The party pledged to mobilise people against austerity measures.

The CC opposed the new VBGRAMG Act, which would replace MGNREGA, arguing it denies rural workers guaranteed employment and relies excessively on digital infrastructure. It also condemned the post-election operationalisation of new Labour Codes, urging state governments to amend them to protect workers' rights.

Other Key Positions

The statement highlighted rising atrocities against women, Dalits, and Adivasis, citing a gang rape in Delhi and alleging systemic failures under BJP governance. The party also claimed BJP leaders were behind the NEET paper leak and demanded the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA), along with decentralisation of examination conduct. It criticised CBSE's digital evaluation mishaps and called for immediate corrective action.

On the global front, the CC condemned US actions against Cuba, Iran, Palestine, and Venezuela, pledging an anti-imperialist campaign in June. The party also reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning for women's reservation and voting rights.

With the INDIA bloc's internal cohesion under strain and the BJP consolidating ground in new geographies, how the CPI(M)'s post-election review translates into actionable opposition strategy will be closely watched in the months ahead.