CPM Launches Statewide House Visit Campaign After LSG Poll Setback
In the wake of a disappointing performance in the recent local self-government (LSG) polls, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has launched a comprehensive house visit campaign across Kerala. This public outreach program aims to connect directly with citizens and gather their feedback on government performance.
Campaign Details and Objectives
The CPM initiative comes just ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. It follows the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) decision to interact more closely with people. The party plans to listen to public concerns without argument and address various issues during these visits.
CPM general secretary M A Baby visited several homes with party functionaries on Thursday. He reported receiving a positive response from residents. "Home visits were conceived as a program to listen to what people have to say, including critical comments," Baby explained. "My experience was awesome. People are not only opening up but are ready to give a patient hearing to what we have to say."
Government Ministers Participate
Public Works Department minister Mohamed Riyas participated in the initiative in Kozhikode. He stated that the government wants to understand whether it overlooked some areas and learn what additional activities people expect from their representatives.
During these visits, CPM ministers and party functionaries will practice patience while listening to citizens. They will not argue with people but instead try to convince them that neither the CPM nor the government holds anti-religious or anti-Muslim sentiments.
Addressing Specific Concerns
The party representatives will explain that CPM's criticism against fundamentalist forces like Jamaat-e-Islami does not constitute an attack on the Muslim community. They will also field questions about the Sabarimala gold heist case and clarify that the CPM did not take action against former Travancore Devaswom Board chief A Padmakumar because court proceedings have not proven the allegations against him.
Baby responded to reporters about this matter, stating clearly that "CPM will take action against Padmakumar if he is found guilty in the Sabarimala gold heist case." He emphasized that the party maintains clarity regarding its position on this issue.
Political Context and Rival Activities
Baby addressed rumors about the Kerala Congress (M) potentially shifting allegiance to the United Democratic Front (UDF). He noted these speculations lost momentum after KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani refuted them publicly.
The CPM leader criticized the UDF for focusing primarily on parody songs. "Such activities created confusion among some people," Baby remarked. "We can clear this with an explanation."
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has launched its own week-long home visit campaign. This parallel effort seeks to win back public confidence through direct engagement with citizens.
Response to Aisha Potty's Claims
Baby firmly rejected former Kottarakara MLA Aisha Potty's claim that the CPM treated her poorly. "Aisha Potty got significant media traction when she joined the Congress," he stated. "CPM had nurtured her. The party gave her an opportunity to become district president and MLA three times."
He expressed confidence that her decision to leave the CPM would not impact the party even in Kottarakara, where she previously won on a party ticket. Baby added that thousands of dedicated party workers who faced imprisonment and torture never received opportunities to contest elections, unlike Potty.
"People like Potty should understand that political work was not always centred on power and posts," Baby concluded.
Additional Criticism from Party Leadership
CPM state secretary M V Govindan offered stronger criticism of Potty during a separate event. While inaugurating a Lok Bhavan march by rural employment guarantee scheme workers, Govindan called Potty power-hungry.
"She was regularly irregular at party events," Govindan claimed. "When asked, she used to cite physical discomfort as the reason. Now, we know what was the reason for that discomfort. It is the discomfort to get the crumbs of power."
The CPM's statewide house visit campaign represents a strategic effort to reconnect with voters after electoral setbacks. By listening to public concerns and addressing specific issues directly, the party hopes to rebuild trust before the crucial assembly elections.
