The Central Committee of CPI(M) noted the fact that in the 1998 mid-term elections, the BJP increased its percentage of votes from 20.29 to 25.47 (and) it could increase its tally by 18 seats. Along with its allies, it came .close to a majority, but did not get the majority. It was only the position taken by the Telugu Desam Party, which betrayed its own commitment to secularism and the United Front, that helped the BJP-led government to assume office.

The Congress party continued its declining trend. Its voting percentage declined from 28.8 to 25.88 (and) managed to just about retain its tally of the 11th Lok Sabha.

The United Front received a severe setback .... While the CPI(M) retained its 32 members, the major constituent of the United Front, the Janata Dal, was trounced.

All the constituents of the United Front need to make a proper review of their performance.

Though important advances were made in the spheres of foreign policy, centre-state relations and strengthening secularism, unfortunately many of the promises in the economic sphere were not implemented. The decision to provide foodgrains at half the price to the people below the poverty line, though taken in principle, never saw the light of the day in many parts of the country ... It is only the Left and the Samajwadi Party that have been able to receive some degree of wide support from the people.

During the election campaign, the United Front failed  to effectively project itself as an alternative with a distinct policy and programme. The lack of proper seat-sharing amongst its constituents, particularly in the Hindi- speaking state, led to a division of votes which directly benefitted the communal alliance,

... The United Front's tally was (thus) reduced by nearly a half to 99.

The Central Committee decided that, under these circumstances, the unity of the Left, democratic and secular forces should be strengthened. The CPI(M), alongwith its allies in the United Front, shall make all efforts to build up this alternative to the communal forces and the Congress. The Central Committee decided to strengthen ... the Party through mass mobilisation and protest actions against the anti-people policies of the present government.                                                                              (Source: The People's Democracy, 26 February, 1998)