CPI(M) chief M.A. Baby calls Kerala election defeat a serious setback

Communist Party of India (Marxist) secretary-general M.A. Baby said the party is facing its toughest political period in decades after losing power in the Kerala state election. He described the loss as a "serious blow" and noted that, for the first time since 1977, a left‑wing party has failed to retain state power.

The CPI(M) central committee is conducting an internal review of the defeat. Baby said the party and the Left Democratic Front are analysing the causes, while internal criticism is growing against Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary M.V. Govindan. Some factions have called for their resignation.

Baby also remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party's advance in Kerala has stalled, mentioned the BJP’s setback in Tamil Nadu, and warned that the strong presence of right‑wing parties in Kerala is creating a serious political situation. Despite dissent, the national leadership is not planning an immediate leadership change in the state.