COIMBATORE: Coimbatore, often referred to as the ‘Manchester of Tamil Nadu’, once held the distinction of being a stronghold of Leftist movements. Electoral records show that CPM has won five times in Coimbatore East constituency, and twice each in Perur and Singanallur. CPI has won twice in Valparai, but this is the first time in the state’s electoral history that the Left has not fielded candidates in any of Coimbatore’s 10 assembly constituencies, ending a 74-year-long uninterrupted presence since 1952.
The move has shocked many, especially since the Left has been actively contesting elections in the district, which houses several industries, for decades, championing workers’ rights and welfare. Regardless of victory or defeat, their consistent electoral participation had become a defining feature of the Coimbatore’s political landscape.CPI state treasurer and former MLA M Arumugam recalled the historical role of the Left in the undivided region, which once comprised Tirupur and Erode.He credited Left-backed unions for forming workers’ organizations, including those for women, and for securing key labour rights such as fair wages, Employees’ State Insurance, and provident fund benefits.Party leaders attributed the situation to seat-sharing arrangements within alliances. During negotiations, both CPI and CPM had expected allocations in constituencies such as Valparai and Singanallur. But instead, DMK ally Congress got Singanallur and Kavundampalayam.Arumugam said the development could demoralize party workers, especially in an industrial region where sustained Left activity has benefited labourers. Still, he emphasized that the primary objective remains to defeat forces supporting privatization, pro-corporate policies and dilution of labour laws. He said the Left cadres were actively working for the victory of the DMK-led secular progressive alliance. CPM district secretary Padmanabhan said, “We will continue to work for the success of our alliance partners.”
