CPI(M) admits lapses in Kerala campaign, calls for internal overhaul

India's Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) acknowledged several shortcomings after its recent defeat in Kerala. In a central committee meeting held on 15 July 2026, general secretary M.A. Baby said the party had failed to show humility toward the public, made errors in candidate selection, ran an arrogant campaign and mishandled issues such as the Ayyappa Sangamam and the Vellappally controversy.

The leadership announced a comprehensive corrective process, including an extended state‑committee meeting in September for Kerala and West Bengal to review the failures and consider changes in the state secretariat and other leadership positions. Baby stressed that “it cannot be said that the behaviour of any specific leader led to the defeat, but there were lapses in campaigning,” and urged all cadres, from grassroots to the top, to reflect and improve.