Kannur (Kerala), March 22 CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said on Sunday that the internal dissent within the party would not affect the prospects of the ruling Left front in the upcoming Assembly elections, asserting that the number of defectors is "insignificant".
Speaking to reporters here, Govindan said that the few leaders who left the party would have no impact on the April 9 polls and said the ruling LDF aimed to win 110 seats in the upcoming elections.
Four senior leaders, including G Sudhakaran, have revolted against the party and are contesting the elections as independents.
"We have 5.5 lakh members in Kerala and around 2.5 lakh supporters. If five or six people leave due to misguided intentions, can we say that they are leading a communist movement?" he asked.
He maintained that unlike the Congress, there was no internal discord within the CPI(M).
"I want to make it clear that there are no issues in our party. Some people may try to create problems. We try to resolve such matters within the party, and if they become serious, we remove them," he said.
Govindan added that the party always attempts to correct those who take what it considers to be the wrong line.
Responding to allegations by Congress leader V D Satheesan that there is a tacit understanding between the opposition BJP and CPI(M) in constituencies such as Palakkad, he dismissed the charge as baseless.
"The Leader of the Opposition makes such allegations every day. There is no need to respond to such remarks," Govindan said.
He also rejected claims that CPI(M) has sidelined its Left allies, saying the front continues to function cohesively.
Attacking the Congress-led UDF, Govindan said that the opposition alliance would face a major setback in the elections as it had played no role in the state's development over the past decade.
"They opposed development projects. When the LDF united against the Centre's neglect of Kerala, the UDF did not support those efforts. These issues will be discussed during the election," he said.
In contrast, he said the LDF government has effectively addressed people's concerns and delivered governance that would help it return to power.
"The LDF government has played a key role in addressing people's concerns and resolving their issues. We are targeting 110 seats," he said.
Single-phase elections to 140 Assembly seats in Kerala will be held on April 9, with the counting scheduled on May 4.
The Left front is looking to secure a third consecutive term after a decade in power.
