THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury has said the culture of debates and discussions would be revived in the CPM on the basis of which a stronger party would emerge.
In an exclusive interview with DC, the newly-elected CPM boss welcomed different approaches in the party. “A correct approach can be evolved only if different approaches are discussed,” he said.
Q: The CPM has always described Mr V.S. Achuthanandan as an asset. What is his future in the party?
A: The fact that the party speaks of him as an asset is a recognition of being the seniormost leader. The party congress made him a special invitee, not permanent invitee of other nature. So that part is settled in the party.
Q: What about the issues raised by him?
A: We are glad that he has got the confidence to raise such issues. The outgoing central leadership had taken up the matter earlier. The new PB and CC will now meet and take a decision on these issues.
Q: Many believe your elevation as general secretary has bought the smile back on the faces of the party and party men?
A: I am glad if the smile is back. Without being humane, you cannot be a Marxist, that’s the fundamental point. If the smile is restored, that is very good, whatever may be the reason. The process needs to be consolidated.
Q: Kerala is the biggest unit of the party, what is your message to the partymen here?
A: They need to strengthen the party and the LDF. Kerala’s opinion is always highly valued. It must be properly projected so that the country can be given an alternative direction. At a time when the narrative of nationalism is being changed by communal forces, Kerala which had brought land reforms, education reforms, social reforms and temple entry movement should take the lead in pushing the progressive agenda across the country.
Q: There is a big Left space outside the traditional Left. How do you propose to tap that ?
A: CPI(ML) and SUCI are already part of the Left Front. There is a nine-party front in Andhra and seven -party front in Bengal. We are ready to cooperate with progressive civil society movements for a nationwide joint action on people's issues.
Q: How far is the CPM- CPI merger?
A: The merger of communist parties is not merely an opportunistic coming together. The Left’s merger is ideological merger. The division was on ideological reasons and unless that is settled, there can be no merger.
Q: Is CPM revival in Bengal possible?
A: It depends entirely on our fight against the politics of violence and terror. Bengal witnessed emergency six years before the country actually experienced it. People of Bengal fought back, restored democracy in the state and the entire nation. We have to withstand terror, stop decline of our mass base and then go for revival.
