CPI(M) Politburo meets in New Delhi to analyse Kerala defeat and Vijayan’s opposition role

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a two‑day Politburo meeting in New Delhi to examine its unexpected losses in the recent Kerala Assembly election, where the party was reduced to 35 of 140 seats, and the historic BJP victory in West Bengal. Party general secretary M. A. Baby said the meeting would review reports prepared by state committees and discuss the political implications, including whether Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan should assume the role of Leader of Opposition. Internal divisions surfaced, with some members blaming Vijayan’s decade‑long governance style and others questioning state secretary M. V. Govindan’s campaign handling. The meeting also addressed the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena, over alleged financial irregularities in the CMRL‑Exalogic case. Outcomes are expected to shape the CPI(M)’s strategy for rebuilding in Kerala and its broader national posture.