CPM on its part has always refuted the charges saying all decisions were collective
CPI secretariat march led by State Secretary Pannian Raveendran demanding the resignation of Finance Minister KM Mani in the bar bribe issue, on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo: DC)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI’s outburst in front of the secretariat on Wednesday was not just an isolated incident but the eruption of the pent-up anger against ‘big brother’ CPM on its stand on various issues. Notwithstanding the CPM claims on internal democracy in the LDF, the CPI and other allies have often been forced to toe the Marxists’ line.
Observers say the failure of the secretariat siege, agitations against the solar fraud, tax hike and now the wishy-washy stand on the Mani issue, all reflected the captain’s blunder.
The CPM on its part has always refuted the charges saying all decisions were collective. But the occasional public outburst of minor allies had disproved its claims. “It’s time to review the LDF lapses. We need to introspect on our role as a strong Opposition. When we could have taken advantage of the situation, we are hearing remarks like “adjustment politics,” said CPI state secretary Pannyan Raveendran.
“If it takes 16 days for the LDF to meet on Mani issue then there’s something serious. On November 17 if the LDF doesn’t decide on a combined stir then our secretariat will meet on November 19 and decide the next course,’’ he added.
CPM leader Thomas Isaac disproved the CPI view on agitations. “We decided to boycott the hike in water tariff. But when it was rolled back, we changed tactics taking a realistic position,’’he said.
Dr Isaac said if the CPI had differences, it should speak in the LDF and not in public.
“Let them have bilateral talks. At a time when all Left forces are rallying together nationally, the CPI stand here is unwarranted,’’ he added. The CPM leader rejected the charge that Mr Mani’s participation at a seminar on “liberalisation and alternative policy” during the CPM special plenum in Palakkad last year had triggered speculations about the Left trying to rope him in.
“CPI leaders are on record welcoming Mani to LDF. It was Pinarayi Vijayan who put an end to all such speculations categorically stating there was no such move ,’’ he added.
Dr Isaac said all LDF allies enjoyed freedom in the front. “There has been no change in power-sharing and seat-sharing for the past 25 years. Even the support base of each party has not been considered.
The Janata Dal (Secular) does not fully endorse the CPI views, but admits that LDF agitations had come in for criticism.
“All decisions were taken unanimously. There’s no point having a public spat now. More than probe what we need is registration of FIR against Mani,’’ he said.
( Source : dc )
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