Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Brinda Karat on Friday said the party has accepted the "people's verdict" with "deep humility" and will work to win back the confidence of the people.
"We accept with humility the verdict handed out by the people. We will play the role of a constructive opposition while staying committed to fighting for the rights of the people," Karat told NDTV news channel. Admitting that this has been a "serious set back", she added: "On our part we will take a look at the reasons for it (defeat). We have had many historic achievements (in West Bengal) which are not there in the rest of the country and for that we are proud".
"We will take necessary steps and win back the confidence of the people by fighting for their rights," Karat said. Crediting the success of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the "feeling of change" among the people, she said: "After 34 years, the TMC has got the benefit for the feeling of change. That is what happened in the elections. And the other reason will be discussed". She, however, said that the ideology of Marxism has not lost its relevance. "The Left has a strong support base among young people. I don't think Marxism as an ideology has lost its relevance," Karat said.