CPI(M) leader M.V. Jayarajan blames social media for party’s poll setback in Kerala, Facebook group counters claims

CPI(M) leader M.V. Jayarajan blames social media for party’s poll setback in Kerala, Facebook group Porali Shaji counters claims

In the wake of the Lok Sabha election results, M.V. Jayarajan, the CPI(M) Kannur district secretary, has attributed the party’s poor performance in Kerala to “anti-Left campaigns on social media.”

Mr. Jayarajan highlighted the detrimental impact of the youth relying solely on social media for election information, which he believes contributed significantly to the party’s electoral challenges.

He criticised right-wing politicians for “spreading falsehoods” through social media and accused the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of “perpetuating lies online.” He noted a “concerning trend” among the youth, who he said are increasingly dependent on social media, leading to “a distorted perception of political realities.”

One notable target of social media abuse, according to Mr. Jayarajan, has been CPI(M) leader K.K. Shailaja in Kerala. He pointed out that such social media “vitriol is orchestrated to undermine Left-wing leaders and movements.”

Mr. Jayarajan also accused pro-Left social media groups of “being compromised.” He claimed that administrators of groups such as Chenkota and Porali Shaji were being bought, resulting in a shift from pro-Left to anti-Left posts. This, he argued, poses a significant challenge in the current digital era and called for party workers to be vigilant.

“Porali Shaji, Chengotta, Chengathir... initially used to have post pro-Left content. But once purchased, they turned against us,” said Mr. Jayarajan.

He emphasised the need for the party to adapt to this new landscape and recognise the influence of such online platforms.