It's a big defeat, we're analysing it : Sitaram Yechury

One, during the intervening period and particularly about two years ago, we came to the conclusion that the Congress which used to be the traditional anti-Left pole in Tripura has been replaced by BJP

Secretary General of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Sitaram Yechury, answers some searching questions on his party’s defeat in Tripura in an interview with Karan Thapar for thewire.in. Excerpts:

How does the Communist Party of India (Marxist) see its shattering defeat in Tripura and the future for the party? You ruled the state for an unbroken spell from 1978 with the exception of the period between 1988 and 1993. Would you accept that this is not just a humbling verdict but a huge blow to your party, the CPI (M)?

Well, it is a defeat. We’ve accepted it. The