CPI national secretary K. Narayana on Sunday said a roadmap for a strong Left democratic secular platform would be laid at the three-day national council meeting that begins here on Monday.
Addressing the media, he said the rapid spread of communal politics by the BJP-led NDA government had compelled the Left parties to take the lead in the formation of a front before the next general elections.
“The power of the Left parties is not enough to tackle the NDA, which is diluting the democratic values. We need to unite all like-minded Opposition parties,” he said.
Mr. Narayana said though the parties had political compulsions in each State, an effort had to be made to stop the free-run of the BJP.
“The NDA government is using the CBI, the Election Commission and the office of the Governor to quell the Opposition’s challenge. ‘Toe the line or go to jail’ is the mantra of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conviction of RJD leader Lalu Prasad is a classic example.”
The senior leader said anyone who confronted the BJP’s ideals was put to trouble and cited the friendly overtures of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Opposition leader Jagan Mohan Reddy as examples. “Mr. Jagan has quid pro quo cases to bother him while the vote-for-cash case is haunting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. That is the reason they are remaining silent on the step-motherly treatment of the Prime Minister.”
Mr. Narayana said Governors were interfering with the administrations and were acting in a high-handed manner. “Puducherry Governor Kiran Bedi is a living example of her curt behaviour. She never cares for the elected Chief Minister.”
He said it was sad a handful of MPs and two Cabinet Ministers had to plead with the Prime Minister to grant an interview to Mr. Naidu. “Once Chandrababu Naidu was a kingmaker. He is at the mercy of the BJP which is releasing funds in a piece-meal basis.”
He blamed Mr. Narendra Modi for lowering the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister by accusing former PM Manmohan Singh of treason.
