THRISSUR: Even as the CPM Kerala unit seems to be determined to shoot down Sitaram Yechury’s tactical line on an alliance with the Congress, the general secretary made his stance amply clear at the party’s state meet. In a fitting reply to the delegates who criticised him, Yechury reminded them that he was speaking based on the party programme.
In a detailed reply lasting for more than 45 minutes, Yechury chose to silence his critics, referring to the party programme and holding a copy in hand, party sources said. The message was categorical: It is not what Yechury is saying, it is what the party programme is suggesting.Yechury said he did not suggest any alliance with the Congress. It was a mention about tactical alliance. He reminded the CPM is not the Communist Party of Kerala. In an apparent reference to his critics during discussions — Mohammed Riyaz and A N Shamzeer — Yechury thought that both of them were aware of the party programme.
Yechury further added that the party is not just of Kerala or West Bengal or Tripura alone. The party does not take a call based on the political situation in a particular state. Decisions are taken based on the overall political scenario.
Underscoring his stance, he said that though the Congress is the prime enemy in Kerala, that is not the case across India. When the RSS attempts to create a Hindu rashtra, it has to be defeated. That is the need of the hour, he said.Going one step further, he reminded junior comrades that looking for differences in the opinions made by either Pinarayi Vijayan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan or him is not what delegates are supposed to do.
Earlier, for the second consecutive day, the state meet saw severe criticism against the political tactical line suggesting a tie-up with the Congress. If it was Riyaz who criticised such a move on Friday, on Saturday, criticism came from Shamzeer, who spoke at the general discussion. Terming any such move as foolishness, he said it will not be desirable for the Left Front.Delegates were in favour of rejecting the Yechury line. On Friday, they had termed it a shortcut to power. The message from the discussions held in Yechury’s presence was clear. The Kerala unit will never support any alliance with the Congress.
Briefing the media on the discussions, central committee member A Vijayaraghavan made it clear that the party has decided not to have any alliance with parties following neo-liberal policies.“Delegates demanded that there should be no tie-ups with parties propagating neo-liberal policies. Instead, the party should increase its individual might and ensure wider intervention in leading mass movements at the national level,” he said, later confirming that the mention was squarely aimed at the Congress. “There need not be any doubt about it.”
It was the other day that Yechury had hinted at possible alliances with rival parties, citing “appropriate electoral tactics” at the time of elections.Yechury’s statement, while inaugurating the state conference, was widely perceived as a reminder that he has not given up the tactical line of a possible alliance or understanding with the Congress.
Party flags threat from Sangh Parivar
The Sangh Parivar’s attempts to spread communalism among children should be viewed seriously, said delegates at the CPM state meet. The BJP’s acts to create religious hatred in Kerala society do raise concerns. The Sangh Parivar aims to unleash violence against CPM workers. The ideological campaign against this move should be strengthened. “Recognising the opponents’ move to use political murders against the state government, the party should exercise more caution,” the discussions pointed out. In a resolution passed on Saturday, the party also pointed out the need to come together against the Sangh Parivar’s communal agenda. The resolution touching upon the general socio-political scenario in the state mentions the RSS attacks on M T Vasudevan Nair and Tamil actor Vijay.