THRISSUR: Political violence is not CPM's culture. If there are aberrations, necessary corrective actions will be taken, said CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury. In a clear indication that the central leadership is unhappy with the ongoing violence in Kerala, Yechury reminded that opponents should be fought democratically.
The remarks come at a time when the recent Shuhaib murder has cast a shadow over the left government in the state and the ongoing CPM state conference. Inaugurating the delegate meet at the four day CPM state conference in Thrissur on Thursday, the general secretary said violence is not the CPM way. However, when party cadres safe attacked, they will opt for self-defense.
Yechury unleashed a scathing attack on the RSS for practicing political violence. He reminded the CPM cadres are continuously coming under attack in the state. The 577 torch marches that came to the state conference were from the 577 martyr's columns. The RSS has been trying to unleash violence on CPM cadres. The violence will be faced through self-defense.
"Political violence is not part of our culture. These forces have to be fought democratically. If there are any aberrations, corrective steps will be taken," Yechury made clear in the presence of other senior leaders.
On Wednesday, Yechury had refused to respond to questions on political violence while many other leaders including Polit Buro members S Ramachandran Pillai and M A Baby came out against violence.
On, Thursday, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPM state leadership communicated their displeasure over Shuhaib murder to the Kannur district secretary.