The Left parties, whether CPI or CPM, have a glorious past and a great legacy in India. They played a crucial role in land reforms and distribution of lands to the poor. Youngsters used to flock to these parties leaving behind families and properties. Though they do not vote, people in general have great respect for the communist parties in our country.
Left parties were vociferous in their fight against the government as long as N Chandrababu Naidu was in power. However, their very survival is in danger in both Telugu states. People once generous towards them are no longer counting them as a political force. A complete political paralysis has afflicted the Left parties. There are no campaigns, no mass movements, no dharnas or no rallies. Save one or two, people even forgot the names of Left leaders in the two states.
No existence in TS
Communist parties used to have more influence in Telangana than in Andhra Pradesh. Their active role in Telangana struggle endeared them to the people. Both CPI and CPM used to have a sizable cadre in many parts of Telangana. Nomula Narasimhaiah, who led the CPM Legislature party once in the united AP, joined TRS. He was followed by many other leaders and cadres of Left parties. Now there are no Left leaders who can mobilise people against the TRS government in the state. Except waiting to strike an alliance with one or the other political party during elections, the Left has almost become defunct during the remaining period. There is hardly any mass movement or agitation waged by the Left parties after the bifurcation of the state. They are confining their activity only to writings in newspapers in Telangana.
Ramakrishna a lone fighter
Even as farmers of Amaravati have been waging a relentless battle for the last eight months, no communist leader except CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna expressed their support to them. No CPM leader has supported their fight so far, reflecting their pathetic condition. The Left parties which once built a massive agitation against power tariff hike during Chandrababu Naidu government in 2000 are now nowhere to be seen now.
Political analysts say that Left leaders are limiting themselves to press meets and press statements even on the decisions and policies of BJP at the Centre. Once Left parties ruled the roost in student movements, but the students of today have no idea about the communist parties and their teachings.
Only time will tell if the Left is able to reinvent and revive itself to regain lost ground and become a force to reckon with.