Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday heaped praises on CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury hailing him for playing a crucial role in bringing together all democratic forces against the violence unleashed by Mamta Banerjee’s TMC in West Bengal.
He made these remarks in the presence of Yechury and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the function organized for presenting N Ramachandran award for excellence in public service to the CPM general secretary. “I don’t know what their politburo stand is. I am told they have a different view on the issue. But I can very well say that the decision was well received and appreciated by most of the people in Bengal, the CPM workers and Congressmen,” he said.
Chennithala said keeping in view the situation in Bengal, the alliance between the Congress party and CPM has been well recognized and appreciated by the people in that state. “See I wanted to mention this. His quality and his vision to bring people together for a common cause. That is very important. Whether the alliance is winning or not that is a different story. The focal point is whether you can bring people together to fight the fascist forces in this country, whether you can protect the interests of the secular people in this country and whether you can fight against the fascist forces which are trying to infiltrate into the Indian society. I appreciate Mr Yechury’s fight there,” he added.
Chennithala recollected the key role played by former CPM general secretary late Harkishen Singh Surjeet in rallying all democratic and secular forces against the right wing. “Surjeet was known for reaching out to people belonging to different political parties. He was a political guru. Yechury is also treading the same path and he is a leader who is committed to strengthen the democratic and secular fabric of this country,” Chennithala added.
Yechury who was taken by surprise by Chennithala’s remarks about him, replied to the compliments in a lighter vein. “Chennithala is a good old friend. He is a mischief maker. Today also he tried to create it,” the CPM said while referring to his remarks on Bengal alliance.
Pinarayi hailed Yechury as a leader who was prepared to sacrifice for strengthening the unity and integrity of the country. Despite facing threats from the right wing forces for his stand against fascists, the CPM general secretary was continuing his fight valiantly. Governor P Sathasivam gave away the award to Yechury.
