The strength of Left parties further dwindled in the 2014 general elections in the State with their combined strength decreasing from five to two.
CPI and CPI(M) which failed to strike an alliance in the State despite their principled anti-BJP and anti-Congress stand at the national level became further weakened despite CPI’s alliance with the Congress in the State.
The CPI which had four seats in Telangana contested in seven seats in alliance with Congress but could win only in Devarakonda in Nalgonda district.
The CPI(M) which had the lone seat in Miryalaguda represented by Julakanti Ranga Reddy fielded candidates in 34 Assembly constituencies but could win only in Bhadrachalam.
The CPI which fielded its veteran leader Narayana for the Khammam Lok Sabha seat in alliance with Congress drew a blank where the YSR Congress candidate was leading.
CPI(M) leader P.Madhu speaking to The Hindu analysed that the only issue that dominated the general elections in the State was the bifurcation issue.
More than the price rise, increased tax burden on essential commodities and petroleum products, it was anger against Congress for dividing the State which worked overwhelmingly in favour of TDP-BJP combine. In Telangana, people who wanted separate State gave credit to TRS for spearheading the movement than the Congress which granted Telangana.
Anti-incumbencyAt the national level, even as anti-incumbency against UPA government besides resentment against corruption and growing unemployment increased, the Left and secular parties failed to provide an effective alternative to Congress, he said. T
he middle class with illusions about globalisation to revive economy backed NDA and its allies, he said.
He expressed concern that the Left parties did not have representation in the new legislature to give voice to people’s concerns and strive for their welfare.
