The CPM’s central leadership has held the Kerala unit accountable for its poor performance in the Assembly elections, stating that the state leadership failed to foresee the political fallout of several key decisions and did not respond effectively to emerging controversies. A review report adopted by the Central Committee (CC) and presented at the state secretariat meeting on Wednesday urged the Kerala leadership to accept responsibility for these lapses.

The report said the state leadership could not shift the blame for candidate selection or the inadequate representation of women, minorities and youth entirely onto district committees. It maintained that the responsibility ultimately rested with the state leadership, which failed to assess the consequences of its decisions in time.

The Central Committee also faulted the Kerala leadership for failing to initiate disciplinary proceedings against former Travancore Devaswom Board president and Pathanamthitta district committee member A. Padmakumar following his arrest in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. Rejecting the state leadership’s explanation that disciplinary proceedings were delayed because he was in custody, the central leadership noted that it had already directed immediate action following his arrest.

The review further stated that the party’s weak political campaign allowed the Congress to strengthen its allegation of a covert understanding between the CPM and the BJP. It also observed that campaigns led by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim League distanced a section of minority voters from the LDF.

The Central Committee additionally criticised the Global Ayyappa Sangamam episode, saying the reading of a message from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by a CPM minister damaged the party’s secular credentials and created a perception that it was soft on Hindutva forces.

The report also acknowledged that the Kerala unit failed to respond adequately to anti-Muslim remarks made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. It added that statements from some CPM leaders further widened the gap with the Muslim community, collectively creating an impression that the party had weakened its stand against communal politics.