In the wake of the recent political developments in Karnataka, secular and democratic forces, along with Left parties, should think about coming together at this juncture to stop the ‘onslaught’ of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and protect democracy, senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and Rajya Sabha MP D. Raja said here on Sunday.
Addressing mediapersons, the CPI leader said the Left parties were thinking of launching a nationwide campaign against the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) combine to protect the country and its Constitution.
Citing the recent political developments in Karnataka in the wake of a fractured verdict in the Assembly elections, Mr. Raja alleged that the BJP was aggressively pursuing an agenda of usurping power. “On the day of the poll result, it was clear that the BJP had no mandate to rule. However, the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP [to form a government], which was condemnable. The Governor should act within the framework of the Constitution,” he said, observing that the developments in Karnataka had raised serious questions regarding selection and appointment of Governors.
Describing the resignation of the BJP’s B.S. Yeddyurappa, merely two days after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, as a “victory for the secular and democratic forces as well as for the law and the Constitution,” Mr. Raja said the BJP, without respecting the people’s verdict, tried to change it [the result].
‘RSS pulling the strings’
Alleging that the BJP government at the Centre was under the control of the RSS, Mr. Raja said the Narendra Modi-led government had failed to fulfil its poll promises, including creating job opportunities for the youth and eradicating black money. The social and educational policies were being changed in accordance with those of the RSS, he claimed.
