CPI(M-L)-IPF combine. And it is surely time for the CPI(M-L)-IPF to examine whether the combine's growing preoccupation with elections and national-level initiatives have adversely affected its mass mobilisation at the ground level. The explanation offered in the review that the supporters and the cadres of the combine, because of their political immaturity, did not enthusiastically rally behind the CPI candidate, even if true, may only amount to telling half the story. Looking at the voting trends in the areas under IPF influence, it seems that a section of the organisation's supporters cast their votes in favour of other candidates, often on the basis of caste considerations.
