Click to play videoNew Delhi: As the winds of change blow in West Bengal, it is time for the Left Front to introspect. CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat who has presided over a one way slide in their electoral fortunes since taking over in 2005, barring the 2006 victories, will face some tough questions.
While a silent wave for the call for change or the party's misadventures over land are being largely blamed for the Bengal washout, some critical decisions taken by the leadership will come under scrutiny.
The first salvo, sources say, is likely to be fired by the man reeling under the burden of that historic defeat. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee may not attend the Politburo meeting on May 16. He believes that the political tactical line led by Karat of withdrawing support to the UPA drove the Congress into the Trinamool's arms.
In Kerala, ironically, it is the Left's admirable showing almost reversing the 5-year trend that puts the leadership in a spot. It was in Prakash Karat's presence that the initial decision to deny VS Achuthanandan a ticket was taken. The rest, as they say, is history.
Also ironically, the dismal electoral showing came on the 15th anniversary of what veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu described as the 'historic blunder' - the CPM's decision to deny Basu the Prime ministership.
While the politburo meeting on the May 16 will most likely be devoid of drama, the leadership will face the heat in the run up to the Congress from within. The CPM is bracing for a summer of discontent.
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