The ideology of a party is often a poor guide to its social base. But in the case of the Left Front (LF) there is some correspondence between its theory of class mobilization and its support structure. In terms of caste, the LF votes are spread over all the caste groupings and communities, including the upper castes.They get a surprisingly high level of support from the SCs and fairly high from the Muslims. But that is largely because the states where LF has its base have a higher proportion of Dalit and Muslim population.A look at the class base shows a clear and consistent pattern. An overwhelming majority of its support comes from the poor and the very poor. Communism does not seem to be an urban middle class phenomenon in India.In Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal, the LF has managed to keep the political agenda focussed on issues that play along class lines, and the voters have responded. Outside its strongholds the class-based approach has failed to attract votes for the LF. With strongly localised support and appeal across the castes the LF resembles the regional parties of the UF in terms of social base. Another awkward piece in the UF jigsaw.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Sep 4, 2012--- ENDS ---
