CPM’s week-long house campaign ends today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM's week-long house visit programme across the state will conclude on Sunday.

The party has claimed politburo members to branch secretaries had visited thousands of houses across 14 districts during the programme. The central committee had given the call for house visits at its last meeting held in Delhi with the objective of directly connecting with the people.

Unlike in the past when the party used to organise such programmes just for one or  two days, this time it was extended to one week to cover maximum houses.

 "It was a great opportunity to interact with people and understand their views on the party and its policies. The leaders listened to the criticism, suggestions and concerns patiently. It was a new experience for the people as well. Most sections of society welcomed the initiative which brought the leaders and people closer," said LDF convenor A. Vijayaraghavan.

While Sabarimala figured prominently during interaction with leaders, the party claims that house visits helped in removing the misconception about CPM stand on the temple issue.

The CPM leaders say people got misled by Congress and BJP.

Both these parties had initially welcomed the Sabrimala verdict which spoke about gender equality. But later they changed the stand for vested political and electoral benefits. Moreover, they promised that if voted to power the new government would bring a legislation to protect the rituals and customs of Sabarimala temple.

CPM leaders say with union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's categorical statement that the Centre was not empowerd to circumvent apex court verdict through an ordinance exposed the BJP propaganda.

So will the LDF campaign on Sabarimala issue during the ensuing byelections to six assembly constituency ? "Sabariamla is not an issue which touches each and every person in the state. Various other issues affecting the day to day lives of the people would be raised during by election.

The next big challenge before the CPM would be to prepare a roadmap for future based on the suggestions received during house visits.

 A major exercise would be undertaken in the first week of August to examine the suggestions. Subsequently, the state committee meeting taking place on in August will come out with a concrete plan.