Parties should connect better with voters
THE Left Democratic Front’s dreams of a third term after the Assembly elections in April-May 2026 have been shattered following the Front’s poor show in the just-concluded local body elections in the state.
The Front suffered a tough reversal in people’s verdict, undermining its calculations of maintaining dominance across the three-tier local governance system.
The ruling party's poor show in polls can be attributed to various factors.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) made a strong comeback. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also made historic gains, winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time.
Some possible reasons for the ruling party's poor performance include:
- Anti-incumbency sentiment: Voters may be dissatisfied with the government's performance, leading to a desire for change.
- Lack of organisational infrastructure: The ruling party may not have a strong grassroots presence, making it difficult to mobilise voters.
- Corruption and scandals: Allegations of corruption or scandals may have eroded public trust in the government.
- Effective opposition strategy: The opposition may have run a successful campaign, highlighting the government's weaknesses and offering alternative solutions.
The principal beneficiary of this shift has been the Congress-led UDF, which registered a strong, across-the-board performance in panchayats, municipalities and corporations.
The BJP-led NDA failed to make substantive state-wide gains. While the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 50 seats, its momentum diminished elsewhere.
Several CPM functionaries privately agree that LDF's loss shows the strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the govt. Losing Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations and facing stiff resistance in Kozhikode Corporation sends a negative signal ahead of the assembly polls, according to the Times of India.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty has said strong political undercurrents led to the LDF’s dismal performance in the local body elections.
Sivankutty said the LDF never felt at any stage that people would vote against the Left Front.
“But a strong undercurrent has taken place. Otherwise, the result would not have been so,” he said.
He denied allegations of leadership failure behind the poll debacle and said the party would evaluate the reasons and take necessary steps.
According to analysts, at the core of the LDF’s setback appears to be growing public unease over what is increasingly perceived as an autocratic style of governance under Vijayan since 2016. A concentration of power in the Chief Minister’s Office, intolerance of dissent, and perceptions of political arrogance have gradually eroded the Left’s traditional image as a cadre-driven and self-correcting political force.
To boost its image, the LDF could consider the following strategies:
1. Strengthen grassroots connections: Engage with local communities, listen to their concerns, and address their needs.
2. Transparency and accountability: Ensure transparent governance, and take action against corruption.
3. Diversify leadership: Showcase a diverse range of leaders and perspectives within the party.
4. Effective communication: Clearly articulate the party's vision and achievements.
5. Address key issues: Focus on pressing concerns like unemployment, healthcare, and education.
6. Collaborate with other parties: Explore alliances to address common goals and challenges.
7. Leverage social media: Utilise social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
8. Highlight achievements: Showcase the government's accomplishments and initiatives.
9. Engage with youth and marginalised groups: Connect with younger voters and marginalised communities.
10. Conduct internal reforms: Ensure democratic processes and accountability within the party.
By implementing these strategies, the LDF can potentially improve its image and connect better with voters.
