CPI (M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan, CPI State secretary R. Mutharasan and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Tuesday issued a joint statement foretelling a political alternative in Tamil Nadu politics.
They condemned what they called the BJP and Sangh Parivar’s continuing assault on freedom of expression.
In the past, a joint statement of the Left parties in Tamil Nadu included only the CPI and the CPI (M). Roping in VCK in its fight against Hinduvta forces in the State is seen as a change in the strategy of the CPI (M) seeking to provide a political alternative based on concrete programmes.
As the CPI (M) State unit has totally revamped its political programme at the recently held State conference to launch an effective campaign against neo-liberal policies and communalism, the VCK seems to have found a place on their platform.
Addressing the 21st State conference, the CPI (M) general secretary alleged that both the DMK and the AIADMK were riddled with corruption and had pursued neo-liberal policies of the Congress and the BJP.
The party has come to the conclusion that the United Front tactic of the Left of forging together regional political parties in the name of upholding secularism in the country has failed to produce desired results. “Driven by selfish goals and agenda, the regional parties have given up their original ideas and allied with the BJP for short-term political gains,” said a senior communist leader.
‘Govt. must take action’
In the statement, the three leaders urged the State government to take stringent action against those who had indulged in violence in the “Cultural Night” organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artiste’s Association in Udumalapettai on March 7.
“Instead of taking action against the violent elements, the police are actually planning to file cases against both parties,” they said in a statement. The leaders also condemned the attack on Puthiya Thalaimurai television channel and its reporter.
“They forced the satellite channel to cancel the programme and threatened the compere,” they said, while calling upon democratic forces to come together to fight against right-wing extremists.
