Raghavulu calls for Left unity, asks Maoists to change approach

Advocating a greater role for Left parties, CPI (M) polit bureau member B.V. Raghavulu on Saturday called for unity among the Communist parties with an appeal to Maoists to change their outlook towards them.

He was here to address party workers from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram as part of a preparatory meeting for 21st congress of CPI (M) being hosted here from April 14 to 19.

He told

The Hindu that to prevent BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre from implementing its ‘communal agenda,’ the people should realise the need for Left parties to have a bigger role in the Parliament and State Legislatures.

He said they had appealed to Maoists to respect their rights. “During the four decade-long Left Front rule in West Bengal, not a single encounter took place. After Trinamool Congress came to power, their top leaders are being targeted,” he said.

To a question, he clarified that by asking Maoists to join the efforts for Left unity he didn’t mean that they should change their ‘political approach.’ He hastened to add “what we want is they should respect our human rights instead of killing our cadres and issuing threats to our leaders and workers. We have always fought of protecting human rights of all party workers.”

Addressing party members on the 21st congress, he said discussions would be held on how to strengthen Left unity so as to occupy centre-stage of national polity. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to saffronise everything as his party has received a majority on its own. We want to put a brake to it by bringing all secular and democratic forces together over issues confronting the people,” he stated.

He said the NDA government wanted to complete reforms in haste by giving a free hand to capitalists.

“Communalism and capitalism will pose big threats to nation’s independence and sovereignty. Hence, we want to educate the people on the dangers lurking at us through people’s struggles,” he declared.

CPI (M) State Secretariat member and Greater Visakha unit secretary B. Ganga Rao were present.