CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury on Friday conceded that the humiliating defeat of the Left Front-led government in West Bengal was a result of anti-incumbency (parivartan).

While the CPI(M)’s top leadership, including party general secretary Prakash Karat remained huddled inside the party headquarters as results trickled in, Mr Yechury stepped out briefly and fielded some tough and uncomfortable questions from reporters. Excerpts:
Q: What has been the main reason for the Left’s debacle in West Bengal?
A: People have opted for change and Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has been the main beneficiary. The Left Front had been in power in West Bengal for a record 34 years. It’s because people wanted a change that has gone in favour of Ms Banerjee. It may be recalled that Mamata Banerjee had defeated Somnath Chatterjee way back in 1984. But it’s only after 27 years that the party has come to power. One cannot suddenly erase all those reasons which allowed the Left Front to remain in power for so long.
Q: Do you think the decisions taken in connection with Singur and Nandigram by the state government went against the Left Front?
A: The party politburo has planned to meet on May 16. We will analyse the results and see the factors which have led to the defeat of the party. We will also get a detailed analysis from the state units and all issues relevant to the elections will be discussed.
Q: With the Left parties losing in both West Bengal and Kerala, isn’t the Left’s very existence in national politics is now in jeopardy?
A: In national politics, the CPI(M)’s existence is not vote-based. It’s based on jan andolan rajniti (raising people’s issues). Whether the party is in power or not, it’s ideology and existence will continue to be based on people’s issues and working for the masses. You will see it continue to work for the cause of the people in the coming days.
Q: What is your message for the people of West Bengal after the defeat?
A: We accept the verdict of the people. In 34 years, there have been solid achievements by the Left Front in terms of land reforms and the introduction of a democratised panchayat system in the state. We will try to preserve them. But unlike the post Lok Sabha election period where there was largescale violence, we are appealing to the people of Bengal to maintain peace which should be the way in a democracy.
Q: The Left Democratic Front has lost by a wafer-thin margin in Kerala?
A: I think it’s been an unprecedented result where, unlike in the past, where after every election there was a decisive change, this one has seen a narrow victory for the UDF. This only shows that there has been no anti-incumbency. The UDF’s victory became possible due to the combination of forces against the LDF but the fact remains that the actions of the LDF in the last five years have been beneficial for the people of Kerala. It’s been a very, very closely fought election, probably one of the closest in the history of Kerala.
Q: How do you see the role of the Left now that it will be the principal Opposition in West Bengal?
A: It will play the role of a constructive Opposition. We will also try to preserve the good work done by the Left Front government.