CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday lauded the Supreme Court’s direction to hold a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 p.m. on Saturday but expressed concerns about what he said was another attack on democratic institutions.
“We think it is a positive development that the Supreme Court has asked for the floor test to be conducted tomorrow (Saturday). It will be conducted by the pro tem Speaker. We hope a proper floor test will be conducted in an orderly fashion,” he said.
Mr. Yechury was in Chennai to attend the CPI(M)’s State committee meeting.
Front against BJP
“We are glad that the effort by the BJP to indulge in horse-trading has been found to be irregular,” said Mr. Yechury.
Mr. Yechury said that instances like the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission were a serious attack on federalism and other democratic traditions. “This Karnataka episode once again demonstrates the onslaught against parliamentary democracy and institutions by BJP’s Modi-led government...Never in the history of Parliament have we heard that a no-confidence motion moved by more than the required number (of proposers) is not taken up for discussion. Never have we seen a Finance Bill being passed with various other legislations smuggled in,” he said.
Mr. Yechury also gave a glimpse of how the next general election will be fought. “In Indian conditions, an all-India platform or alternative [against the BJP] will not emerge. The United Front of 1996 was formed by the regional parties after elections. The UPA was formed after the elections,” he said.
Citing regional specificity, Mr. Yechury said no single party could step forward to unite the Opposition against the BJP. “Before the elections, you will have regional arrangements. They will cement together and on that basis, these dangers will have to be faced and defeated,” he said.
“The time has come for people to rally to oust this government in defence of India and our people,” he said.
