Thiruvananthapuram: Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s statement in Wayanad that he would not say a word against CPM has triggered a debate among political parties in the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took a dig at the Congress president. “As if he was offering something for free, the Congress president said he will not speak a word against the Left. Does he have anything to say against the Left,” he asked.
A section of CPM leaders said that Congress president’s statement proved that the Left was on the right track. There is nothing that they can raise against the CPM be it the fight against communal and fascist forces, providing relief to the marginalized sections or good governance.
CPM politburo member M. A. Baby said Rahul’s decision to contest from Kerala was foolish. “The decision will result in the weakening of Congress fight against communal forces at different levels,” he added.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended Rahul Gandhi’s stand. “Rahul may not have anything to say against CPM but the state Congress leadership will say everything that is required. KPCC was competent enough to take on the CPM,” he said.
Former chief minister and AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy said Rahul’s statement proved the rich tradition of Nehru - Gandhi family. The CPM may use harsh words against Rahul Gandhi but he would not reply in the same manner.
The BJP leaders alleged that Rahul’s stand reflected the match-fixing between CPM and Congress. There is an underhand deal between the parties and that’s they are shying away from criticising each other.
The CPM which has decided to scale up its campaign in Wayanad next week, is coming out with the list of issues that it wants to raise against the Congress including soft hindutva politics, weakening the secular forces and neo liberal policies.
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