New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has acknowledged that the Left movement in India is facing "serious setbacks" both politically and ideologically, attributing its declining footprint to the rise of religion-based polarisation and identity politics across the country.

Speaking to ANI about the shrinking electoral presence of Left parties, now largely confined to governing Kerala, Brittas said the challenges confronting the Left go beyond organisational weaknesses and reflect deeper shifts in national politics.

"There are so many reasons. I agree that there have been serious setbacks to the Left movement as a political party and as an ideology," he said, noting that the Left once had strongholds in ...