Kochi: CPM today expressed concern over the party losing the backing of the toiling masses, while BJP was cementing its base using the temple card.

Though CPM membership was on an increase, it was losing the participation of the poorer section, the report at the ongoing party State conference in Thrissur said.

This was a matter of concern and had to be taken seriously. It was also worrying that the quality of the party was on the wane.

BJP’s influence was menacingly increasing and was posing a big threat.

The CPM should work hard to nullify the attempts made by the BJP to attract people using outdated beliefs and superstitions, the report said.

The party also needed to launch a propaganda to highlight the relevance of science and technology to check communalism.

Leaders ditching the party after attaining plum posts was condemnable.

Some ambitious leaders who failed in their attempt to win attractive posts were on a smear campaign against the party, it report said. This was witnessed during the last Assembly election. This was percolating to lower rungs of the party, it noted.