Left needs serious introspection on W Bengal strategy: Raja

CPI today said that the Left Front's impressive performance in Kerala was on "expected" lines, but underscored that communist parties need to do "serious introspection" about their strategy in West Bengal where TMC is set to retain power.

The CPI, which contested Tamil Nadu polls as part of People's Welfare Front (PWF) along with CPI(M), alleged that there was "use of money power" in the state .

"The results in Kerala were expected. We had conducted campaign on given issues.

"In Bengal, we were hoping to improve out tally. But that did not seem to have happened. So, we have to do some serious introspection about our strategy, tactics," CPI national secretary D Raja said.

Raja said the PWF received "good response" to its campaigning aimed at "offering alternative" to people, but that idea, he added, will take some time "to grip minds" of people as results have shown.

"The idea of political alternative, change will take time to grip the minds of people. (But) This use of money power is a matter of serious concern.

"Two assembly segment polls have been postponed for the first time in Tamil Nadu's history. So, it shows how the money power played a dirty role," Raja said without naming any party.

Trends suggested the TMC is set to retain power in West Bengal, handing down massive defeat to Left Front and Congress.

In Kerala, the CPI(M)-led LDF is set to return to power, replacing Congress-led UDF.

In Tamil Nadu, the J Jayalalitha-headed AIADMK will continue to be in power.