CPIM General Secretary MA Baby in Agartala said identity-based politics, including caste, community and religious mobilisation, has contributed to the Left party’s electoral setbacks. He called for opposition unity, organisational reform and renewed public engagement to counter political challenges.
Quick Glance
- CPIM General Secretary MA Baby links Left’s electoral decline with the rise of identity-based politics.
- Party promises organisational review and greater focus on youth and women leadership.
- Baby urges INDIA bloc partners to strengthen coordination against BJP-led NDA.
- Tripura’s tribal and non-tribal unity is highlighted as a key social priority.
Agartala: Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPIM General Secretary M.A. Baby has identified the growing influence of identity-based politics as a major factor behind the Left party’s electoral setbacks. Speaking in Agartala, Baby said politics based on caste, community and religious identities has changed the nature of public debate and affected the traditional political space of the Left.
Baby made the remarks after a CPIM state committee meeting in Agartala. He said the party is currently facing a difficult phase as it is no longer leading any state government in India. However, he stressed that the CPIM would continue its engagement with people irrespective of election results.
According to Baby, the Left’s political activities would remain focused on issues related to workers, farmers, students, women and weaker sections. He said electoral victories and defeats would not decide the party’s commitment towards public causes.
CPIM Reviews Reasons Behind Electoral Decline
The CPIM leader said the party is conducting an internal review to understand its organisational and political weaknesses. He admitted that the party needs corrective steps to rebuild its strength at the grassroots level.
Baby said the rise of identity-centred political campaigns has created new challenges for Left politics. He argued that such approaches often shift attention away from issues like unemployment, economic inequality, social welfare and livelihood concerns.
The CPIM has traditionally focused on class-based politics and economic justice. However, Baby said increasing competition around social identities has influenced voter behaviour in several parts of the country.
He maintained that the Left would continue to promote unity among different communities and oppose attempts to divide society on social or religious lines.
Opposition Unity Needed to Challenge BJP-Led NDA
While discussing national politics, Baby called for stronger coordination among the parties under the INDIA bloc. He said opposition parties need a realistic approach and greater cooperation to emerge as an effective alternative to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Baby said the 2024 Lok Sabha election results showed the importance of opposition unity. He claimed that better coordination and wider seat-sharing arrangements could have improved the performance of the opposition alliance.
| Political Issue | CPIM View Presented by MA Baby |
|---|---|
| Opposition strategy | Greater unity among INDIA bloc partners |
| Electoral challenges | Impact of identity-based politics |
| Party revival | Organisational review and grassroots strengthening |
| Future focus | Youth, women and public issues |
Baby said all INDIA bloc partners, whether large or small, should receive equal importance. He added that political differences among alliance members should not weaken the broader objective of addressing public concerns.
Criticism of Government Policies
Baby also criticised the BJP-led NDA government over economic and social issues. He alleged that unemployment, price rise, farmers’ concerns and labour-related problems remain serious challenges.
He criticised labour reforms and proposed electricity sector changes, claiming that such policies benefit large corporate groups. The CPIM leader alleged that common people, workers and farmers are facing difficulties because of government decisions.
Baby also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. He said controversies related to examination processes have created uncertainty among students and young job aspirants.
He demanded accountability over issues related to examination management and claimed that young people need greater confidence and transparency from institutions.
Tripura’s Social Harmony Remains a Priority
During his visit to Tripura, Baby highlighted the importance of maintaining unity between tribal and non-tribal communities in the state.
He referred to the role of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and said social harmony in the region must be protected.
Baby warned that identity-based political mobilisation could create divisions between communities. He said Tripura’s experience of tribal and non-tribal cooperation should remain an example of peaceful coexistence.
The CPIM leader alleged that competitive communal politics in different parts of the country is affecting democratic values. He said political campaigns based on social divisions can distract attention from development issues.
Left Focuses on Renewal and Future Politics
Baby said the CPIM is preparing for a new phase by strengthening its organisation and increasing participation from younger generations and women leaders.
He referred to the party’s past governments in Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura, claiming that Left administrations have focused on welfare-oriented governance.
He said the party would continue working among ordinary people and raise issues affecting marginalised communities.
CPIM Leader of Opposition in Tripura and Politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury was also present at the press conference. He welcomed the Supreme Court’s direction regarding Village Committee elections under TTAADC.
Baby said the Left movement is entering a new political phase that requires stronger public contact and organisational improvement. He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges through self-assessment and renewed engagement with people.