The third problem with leftist attempts to speak authoritatively for India comes from praxis. The Left’s electoral geography in India disincentivises a pan-national political view. Bengal and Kerala, mercifully, haven’t been terrorist targets and so until recently the Left’s responses to terror lacked energy. Indeed, the Left has been more energetic on sub-nationalism — the Bengal CPM has in many ways articulated “Bengali” grievances against “centres of power”. The silly interventions for Sourav Ganguly by Bengal CPM leaders speak of a deeper, quasi-chauvinistic impulse. The neglect in taking on extremist groups operating from Kerala is a more worrisome manifestation. It is in India’s interest of course that the Left find a better nationalist voice. But it is even more in the Left’s interest.