Lessons from Assembly Polls: CPI(M) on Secular Forces’ Strategies

The CPI(M) highlights results from recent Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Assembly polls, noting the need for secular forces to strategize against the BJP. The BJP's success in Haryana is linked to caste mobilization and propaganda, while Jammu and Kashmir saw a rejection of BJP's policies.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) emphasized that the results of the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Assembly elections offer critical insights for secular forces in countering the BJP's influence. The CPI(M) conveyed this stance on Wednesday, highlighting differences between the two state outcomes.

The politburo criticized the Congress's performance, noting the BJP's victory in Haryana was due to strategic caste mobilization and communal tactics, despite the Congress battling ten years of anti-incumbency. Meanwhile, the Congress-National Conference alliance achieved a significant win in Jammu and Kashmir, though Congress itself secured only a few seats.

Discussing Jammu and Kashmir, the CPI(M) applauded the National Conference's election victory, interpreting it as a rejection of the BJP's central government policies, particularly the controversial actions on Article 370 and statehood. The party also celebrated the reelection of Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in Kulgam.