K Balakrishnan, CPI(M) Tamil Nadu State Secretary, says the results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections were unexpected, but not a mandate to Modi for his achievements or services to the people. Modi remained silent on issues plaguing the public like unemployment or the agrarian crisis. Instead, the BJP succeeded in instigating the Hindutva-nationalist sentiments among the people, harping on about Pulwama and Pakistan. Non-cooperation among opposition parties was another factor for the BJP’s win. Balakrishnan says the victory of right-wing forces is not just a national phenomenon, but is in keeping with the current global rightward shift. The Left, however, is built on the struggles of the people, and it will inevitably sustain itself and emerge victorious.
