The CPI(M) and the Left are playing the role of the genuine opposition in West Bengal. The people of the state can see the understanding that exists between the BJP and the Trinamool.
CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby made these remarks at a press conference held at A.K. Gopalan Bhawan in New Delhi following the Central Committee meeting. The three-day meeting concluded yesterday, July 13. Baby addressed the press conference on Tuesday.
In response to a question, Baby said, “Mamata Banerjee was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. It was she who paved the way for the BJP in West Bengal. She helped the BJP increase its strength in the state.”
Baby noted that the BJP won two-thirds of the seats and formed the government in West Bengal. The Central Committee has discussed this situation in detail.
Baby says, “People are now looking at the CPI(M) and the Left as an alternative. It is the Left that is taking to the streets over issues concerning people’s rights. The people of Bengal realize that the BJP and the Trinamool were merely putting on an act of rivalry; the understanding between them has now become clear.”
Baby was asked about the CPI(M)’s organizational plans in West Bengal. He stated, “An extended session of the State Committee is scheduled for August 28–30. The situation will be discussed in detail at the meeting, and plans will be formulated on how to step up our intervention amidst these circumstances.” He added, “Leftist forces that had not aligned with the CPI(M) in the state during the previous Assembly elections fought alongside us this time. Consequently, the ‘Left Front Plus’ arrangement has further boosted our confidence.”
Responding to a question regarding Tamil Nadu, he said, “The CPI(M) state committee decided to support the TVK, led by Joseph Vijay, to resolve the political impasse in the state. Although the TVK had secured the highest number of seats, the Governor was not inviting them to form the government.”
It is worth noting that the Centre-appointed Governor had been stalling the claim by the TVK to form the government in the state, day after day. The possibility of imposing President’s Rule had also arisen. Against this backdrop, the CPI(M) and the CPI decided to extend their support to the TVK.
Baby says, “Even when we were supporters of the DMK, we criticized them and took to the streets whenever necessary. The CPI(M) maintains coordination with the CPI. Although we supported the Joseph Vijay government, we did not participate in the government itself. We will certainly protest against any anti-people actions. The reality that TVK is the largest party in the Legislative Assembly must be taken into account.”
Responding to a question about the ‘INDIA’ alliance, he said, “There is no single leader in the INDIA bloc. However, Rahul Gandhi—leader of the Congress, the largest party—must take charge of coordination. Had the potential been fully utilized, the outcome of the last Lok Sabha elections could have been different.”
Issues such as the state of the national economy, the risk of rising crop prices due to rainfall deficits, and threats to food security were discussed during the Central Committee meeting.
Corruption surrounding the Ram Mandir was also discussed. Baby remarked, “Those claiming to be distinct are prioritizing ‘donations’ over the ‘nation.’ Meanwhile, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture is himself availing of subsidies from his own ministry.” He added, “The Centre is creating serious issues regarding citizenship identity. They are now claiming that even a passport does not serve as proof of citizenship. We have previously witnessed the SIR [State Identity Register]. New fascist tendencies are clearly visible.”
Baby says, “The BJP is poaching members from other parties to secure a majority in both Houses. They have planned to move ahead unchecked towards a ‘Hindu Rashtra’.” He adds, “Thousands of acres of land are being handed over to corporates. The situation is alarming.”
Baby sharply criticizes the Congress government in Kerala, stating that it is pursuing a path of ‘soft Hindutva’.
The CPI(M) will focus on building a campaign for electoral reforms. It will launch a campaign for the reservation of seats for women. Seat reservation must be delinked from the conditions of delimitation.
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