Coimbatore is witnessing an unusual election season: for the first time in nearly three-quarters of a century, Communist red flags are absent from the city’s Assembly campaign. The CPI and CPM, long identified with the region’s labour politics, are not contesting any constituency in the district this time.
Both parties are part of the DMK-led alliance and were allotted five seats each across Tamil Nadu. Party workers say they had expected at least 10 seats in total, pointing to the 10 seats given to the DMDK, now led by Premalatha. The DMK, however, reportedly cited the Communists’ limited wins and low combined vote share in the previous election to justify the reduced allocation.
In Coimbatore district’s 10 constituencies, the CPI sought Valparai and the CPM sought Singanallur, but the requests were turned down. Singanallur and Goundampalayam have been allotted to the Congress, leaving the Communists without a single seat to contest in the district.
The development has hit cadres hard, with many expressing anger they say they cannot openly direct at the DMK. Supporters argue that despite organisational weakening over time, the red flag still carries goodwill among sections of Coimbatore’s working class, citing the Communists’ reputation for simplicity and resistance to money and power.
Veterans also recall the parties’ earlier electoral footprint—multiple wins in Coimbatore Lok Sabha and past strength in the Assembly—contrasting it with the current situation where workers are asked to campaign for the DMK’s Rising Sun and the Congress hand symbol, framed around the call to stop the BJP. While party functionaries may accept the arrangement, grassroots workers warn that the DMK should not assume the same level of enthusiasm and cooperation on the ground.
