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Communist parties are mounting a “propaganda offensive” to counter what they perceive as misinformation ahead of Kerala’s 2026 assembly elections, according to Dr. Thomas Isaac, former Finance Minister and CPI(M) Central Committee member.
“The Left is going to win the propaganda war this time,” declared Dr. Isaac in an exclusive interview with The Hindu, signaling a shift in communication strategy for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its allies.
The statement comes amid growing concerns within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) about an increasingly hostile media environment. Dr. Isaac, who served as the state’s Finance Minister from 2016 to 2021, emphasized that traditional media channels have become battlegrounds where the Left’s policies and achievements are routinely misrepresented.
“What we’re witnessing is unprecedented in Kerala’s political history,” he explained. “Facts are being distorted, and allegations go unchallenged in many mainstream outlets. We can no longer rely solely on traditional channels to communicate with voters.”
The CPI(M) leader outlined a multi-pronged strategy focusing on direct voter outreach and digital media platforms. The party has already begun strengthening its social media presence and training cadres in effective communication techniques. Local committees are being mobilized to conduct door-to-door campaigns explaining government initiatives and addressing public concerns.
Kerala’s political landscape has grown increasingly polarized since the 2021 elections, when the LDF defied historical trends by returning to power with 99 seats in the 140-member assembly. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress party, has intensified its criticism of the government’s economic management, particularly focusing on the state’s debt levels and infrastructure projects.
Dr. Isaac, an economist by training, defended the LDF government’s financial policies. “Kerala’s development model prioritizes social welfare alongside economic growth,” he said. “Critics conveniently overlook how our investments in healthcare and education positioned us uniquely to handle crises like the pandemic and recent floods.”
Political analysts note that the propaganda battle reflects deeper ideological divisions in Kerala, the only Indian state currently governed by a communist party. The state has maintained higher human development indicators than the national average despite fiscal challenges.
Dr. Sajad Ibrahim, Professor of Political Science at Kerala University, believes the media strategy signals a broader recognition within the Left that perception management has become crucial. “The CPI(M) has traditionally relied on its organizational strength rather than media narratives,” he said. “This shift acknowledges that in today’s information ecosystem, both are equally important.”
The party’s concerns about media bias aren’t entirely unfounded. A 2022 study by the Kerala Media Academy found significant disparities in how government policies were covered across different news outlets, with many showing distinct political leanings in their reporting approaches.
Opposition leaders have dismissed Dr. Isaac’s comments as deflection tactics. “The Left government’s failures are too glaring to be hidden behind propaganda,” said Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan in a statement. “People are experiencing economic hardship firsthand, and no amount of messaging can change that reality.”
The propaganda offensive comes at a critical juncture for Kerala’s Left movement. The CPI(M)’s political influence has diminished nationally while maintaining its stronghold in Kerala. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the LDF’s parliamentary representation reduced, adding urgency to their communication strategy ahead of the 2026 state polls.
Dr. Isaac emphasized that the Left’s messaging will focus on tangible achievements. “From the K-FON fiber optic network to reforms in public education, we have transformative projects to showcase,” he said. “Our challenge is ensuring these reach voters unfiltered by media bias.”
As both political fronts prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested election, the battle for Kerala’s narrative appears to have already begun. With nearly two years remaining before voters head to the polls, the intensity of this propaganda war is only expected to increase in the coming months.
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10 Comments
Proactive communication and leveraging digital platforms is a savvy move by the CPI(M) in Kerala. Countering perceived misinformation and biases in traditional media will be crucial in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
Agreed, the left in Kerala seems to recognize the need to adapt their messaging and outreach. It will be worth following how this unfolds and impacts the electoral dynamics.
Kerala’s political landscape seems to be shifting, with the left feeling the need to counter perceived misinformation. This could make for a lively election cycle as the different parties vie for voter attention and support.
It will be interesting to see how the CPI(M)’s communication strategy plays out. Fact-checking and direct voter outreach could help combat biases in traditional media.
The CPI(M)’s acknowledgment of the ‘propaganda war’ in Kerala is an interesting development. Voter engagement and fact-based communication through digital channels could help offset any media biases.
Kerala’s political landscape is clearly evolving, with the CPI(M) feeling the need to take a more active approach to messaging and outreach. Their focus on direct voter contact and digital platforms is a strategic move.
Adapting communication strategies to address perceived media biases is a smart move by the CPI(M). It will be intriguing to see how this plays out in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
The CPI(M)’s acknowledgment that they need to win the ‘propaganda war’ is telling. Misinformation and media bias are major challenges for political parties these days. Their digital-focused approach could help reach new voters.
Interesting to see the CPI(M) in Kerala taking a more proactive approach to communicating with voters. Traditional media can certainly be biased, so diversifying outreach makes sense. It will be worth watching how they leverage digital platforms to get their message across.
Agreed, the left needs to adapt to the changing media landscape. Curious to see what specific tactics they employ in their ‘propaganda offensive’.