Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government of attempting to transform India into a theocratic nation, one which is based on Hindu nationalism.
Inaugurating a delegates’ session organised as part of the three-day district conference of the Communist Party of India Marxist [CPI(M)] that began at Charummoodu on Thursday, Mr. Achuthanandan alleged that Sangh Parivar organisations were undertaking a mission aimed at attracting marginalised sections with slogans such as ‘Ghar Vapsi’ or homecoming. “The Indian Constitution was founded on various principles, including secularism. However, the Narendra Modi government is threatening the secular fabric of the country. The Left and secular parties must unite for countering such policies at the national-level,” he said.
Mr. Achuthanandan said large-scale corruption, price rise, unemployment, and denial of decent working conditions had become the features of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the State. “There have been instances in the past when the CPI(M) has succeeded in dethroning the Congress and reversing numerous anti-people policies. The Left parties must work closely together in gathering people from all walks of life for the struggle against the contentious policies of the government,” he said.
The inaugural address, which lasted a little over 10 minutes, was devoid of criticisms against the party’s State leadership, particularly over the issue of expulsion of party members who were accused of allegedly desecrating the bust of party founder-leader P. Krishna Pillai.
The conference got under way with senior party member Abdul Shukoor hoisting the party flag at the programme venue. Party district secretariat member Saji Cheriyan presided over the inauguration of the delegates’ session.
Party State unit secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and senior leaders, including P.K. Sreemathy, Vaikom Viswan, P.K. Gurudasan, A.K. Balan, Elamaram Karim, Anathalavattom Anandan, Baby John, district secretary C.B. Chandrababu, G. Sudhakaran, C.S. Sujatha, C.K. Sadasivan, T.K. Devakumar, R. Nazar, M. Lakshmanan, K. Reghuvaran and M. Surendran were present.
