CPM panel blames Buddha for debacle

The major discussions centred around the causes behind the poll results — the CPM-led Left Front managed to win just 61 seats in the 294-member Assembly.

Most of the state committee members felt the party needed a strong introspection and a strong review at the grassroots level.

The alleged post-poll political violence faced by Left Front workers was also discussed in the meeting in which party general secretary Prakash Karat took part.

Former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee faced criticisms over his handling of affairs and the earlier Left government’s apathy towards people. Besides,the state committee pointed to the crumbling organisational structure as one of the main areas that should get top priority.

According to some members,the CPM would have lost even more seats had there been a smoother and efficient alliance between the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.

A statement issued by the party stated: “The party and the government failed to uphold the principles and values in front of the people of the state. At several levels,the government failed to deliver its promises and the opposition forces took that chance to consolidate its base.”

The report said the ineffective campaign before the polls failed to appeal to the people and the CPM had to face this landslide defeat after 34 years.

The party members were asked to mend their style of functioning and work with the masses to make them aware of the “dangerous policies” being adopted both by the UPA II and Trinamool-led government.