The CPI(M) on Tuesday virtually admitted that the Third Front experiment was a failure, saying that the alliances forged on the eve of the elections were not seen by the people as a "credible and viable alternative".

The party, however, also did not shy away from taking some credit for the UPA victory saying some of the measures adopted by the UPA like the NREGA, and the Forest Tribal Act were "pushed through under Left pressure".

It also noted that Congress gained more support amongst minorities and sections of secular minded people who were keen to ensure that the BJP does not make a comeback.

The CPI(M) was of the view that the alliance with certain non-Congress, non-BJP parties in various states was required so that a secular electoral alternative emerged.

"However, these alliances forged in some states on the eve of the elections were not seen by the people as a credible and viable alternative at the national level," the CPI(M) Politbureau said after analysing the electoral debacle.

"What stood the Congress in good stead were some of the measures adopted by the UPA government like the NREGA, the Forest Tribal Act and other social welfare measures which were pushed through under Left pressure," it said.

On the worst-ever drubbing received since its inception in 1964, it said "serious reverses" suffered by the Left in West Bengal and Kerala were a matter of "deep concern" and efforts will be made to win "support and confidence" of those sections who have been alienated.