Tue Dec 30 16:41:30 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Communist Party of India (CPI) held a State Council meeting criticizing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s association with Vellappally Natesan, viewing it as a potential reason for the LDF’s poor performance in recent local elections due to Natesan’s divisive statements potentially alienating Muslim voters. The meeting also addressed concerns about Vijayan’s leadership style, perceived deviation from leftist principles, and the CPI(M)’s handling of the Sabarimala gold theft case. The CPI acknowledged its own shortcomings and called for introspection within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to strengthen it before the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

News Article:

CPI Calls for Introspection After LDF’s Disappointing Local Election Results

Thiruvananthapuram, December 30, 2025 – The Communist Party of India (CPI) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) recent performance in the local body elections, specifically pointing to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s relationship with Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan as a contributing factor.

During Tuesday’s State Council meeting, CPI leaders voiced strong disapproval of Mr. Natesan’s frequent, communally charged remarks and his public appearances alongside Mr. Vijayan. The party believes this association may have led to a consolidation of Muslim votes against the LDF. Despite Mr. Vijayan’s recent defense of the relationship, the CPI has urged a reevaluation of the association.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed concerns about Chief Minister Vijayan’s leadership style, with some leaders describing it as overly centralized and lacking a sense of collective unity. Dissatisfaction among Left intellectuals and sympathizers over the government’s perceived shift away from traditional leftist ideals was also discussed.

The CPI(M)’s response to the arrests of its leaders in the Sabarimala gold theft case also faced criticism, with one leader stating the LDF should have demonstrated greater political maturity in its handling of the situation.

Acknowledging its own shortcomings in several regions, the CPI has resolved to examine its performance and strengthen the Left front in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections. The party emphasized the need for comprehensive introspection within the LDF to understand why voters did not fully support the coalition despite the government’s achievements in various areas.

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