One of the main reasons which contributed to the dismal performance of the LDF in the local bodies elections held in October 2010 was the alienation of the minorities – both Muslims and Christians. The CPI(M), the main constituent of the LDF, is making a determined effort to regain the trust of the estranged minorities by ensuring the coming together of a few political formations friendly to the Left forces.

A section of the Indian National League, the Latin Catholic Association and a faction led by PTA Rahim, an Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) rebel have decided to form a new party, with the ‘blessings’ of the CPI(M). The new party, there are indications, is likely to come into being in the first week of February. The formation of such a party, the CPI(M) hopes , will go a long way towards removing the resentment of the Muslims, alienated by the style of functioning of the CPI(M).

It may be mentioned that the Indian National League (INL) had left the LDF in protest against what it perceived as shabby treatment of the party. The raw deal meted out to the INL had created resentment among a section of Muslims against the ruling LDF. Besides, the treatment meted out to Manjalamkuzhi Ali, who resigned as a CPI(M) MLA and contested as an independent from his stronghold, Mankada, had also created widespread revulsion among the minorities. Ali proved his strength by winning the elections, humbling the CPI(M) in the process.

Similarly, the CPI(M) is trying to reach out to a large number of rebels who successfully contested against official party candidates in the local bodies elections. The rebel menace inflicted considerable damage on the LDF, especially in Shoranur and Ottappalam municipalities in Palakkad district and Onchiyam and Ezhikkara gram panchayats in Kozhikode districts. The rebels wrested Onchiyam and Ezhikkara from CPI(M), which had never lost in the two gram panchayats during the last four decades. Needless to say, the stunning defeats had induced second thoughts among the CPI(M). Similarly, in Shoranur municipality, rebel, M R Murali, who had quit the CPI(M) sometime back and formed the Leftist Coordination Committee, worsted the CPI(M) in Shoranur. Hence the initiative to mend fences with the rebels

The LDF has also singled out 35 constituencies in which the lead of the rival United Democratic Front (UDF) was less than 5,000, for ‘special attention’. The LDF had established a clear lead in 40 constituencies in the local bodies elections. The calculation is that if the LDF can turn the tables on the UDF in the ‘vulnerable’ 35 seats, the front can hope to retain a simple majority. It goes without saying that only a determined effort can help the LDF realize this objective. But the front is bending all its energies towards achieving this goal.

As part of the efforts to improve the performance in the assembly elections, the LDF has also initiated steps to improve coordination among left-leaning organizations. A meeting of such organizations was held recently to discuss measures to ensure better coordination among them. The meeting was attended, not only by top CPI(M) leaders but also by CPI state secretary CK Chandrappan, and RSP leaders.

The LDF is also using the upcoming state budget to reach out to the people. The budget, which may be presented on February 11, is likely to unfold a host of people-friendly steps and welfare measures. A major problem for the Finance Minister will be to find resources for implementing the recommendations of the pay commission which has mooted a pay hike for the state government employees. It being an election year, the government cannot afford to alienate the government employees. Therefore, the Government is expected to strain every nerve to meet the resulting expenditure amounting to nearly Rs 2000 crores. Besides, the Rs 2 a kg rice scheme, which is enjoyed by nearly 40 lakh people at present, is likely to be extended to an additional five lakh people.

The LDF has also taken a few steps aimed at appeasing the middle class, which is not so favourably disposed to it. One step, which has gone down well with them is the Chief Minister’s request to the Centre for a CBI probe into the lottery scam which has rattled the Government. The move has been widely welcomed although it has created heartburning among a section of the ruling party. The ‘masterstroke’ by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has taken the wind out of the Congress propaganda sail, depriving the party of a major propaganda plank.

The LDF in general and the CPI(M) in particular will do well to give serious thought to a number of suggestions made by State CPI secretary C K Chandrappan to firm up the LDF. Mr Chandrappan had suggested, among other things, middle class-friendly steps, a move to bring back parties which had left the LDF and a dialogue with the Church to end the alienation of Christians. Positive steps in this direction will stand the LDF in good stead in the do-or-die poll battle. (IPA Service)