Former Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader P.K. Sasi has established the Democratic Marxist Front (DMF), a platform aimed at consolidating disaffected CPI(M) members across Kerala (a southern Indian state long governed by the left-leaning Left Democratic Front). Sasi, who narrowly lost his own seat in Ottappalam during the recent assembly elections, attributed the party's broader electoral losses to "flawed policies and the arrogant attitude of some leaders." The DMF, which will hold its first district council meeting in Palakkad on 14 May, is also exploring the formation of a parallel left-wing coalition that would work alongside the opposition United Democratic Front, bringing together parties and leaders who have broken from the CPI(M).