The Communist Party of India (CPI) State conference, ahead of the 23rd Party Congress to be held in Kollam in the last week of April, began here on Thursday, reaffirming that the main enemy of the country is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Inaugurating the conference, CPI general secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy said the Sangh Parivar and the BJP were disastrous to the nation. He said that fighting the BJP and the Sangh Parivar by joining hands with secular and democratic parties, without sacrificing the Left unity, had become the need of the hour.
He bewailed that a section of the media, which were supposed to be the watchdog of democracy, had become the ‘lapdog of the BJP.’ As much as 75% of the channels were in the hands of the corporates controlled by the BJP and they continuously spread lies for the BJP. “This is how the BJP is trying to manufacture the consent of the people,” he said.
He underscored the need for a bigger struggle against the BJP by mobilising the largest sections of the people. “The democracy is under threat. The Indian Constitution should be defended. All democratic forces should be brought on a larger platform,” he said.
He clarified that the fight against fascism should not be linked with elections. Without Left unity, a broad platform against fascism cannot be built. “A national political understanding (for elections) may not be possible. But State-specific electoral tactics in different places will be possible,” he said adding that the main objective should be to defeat the BJP.
Mr. Reddy stressed the necessity of attaining unity between the CPI and the CPI(M), two closest left parties. However, he called upon the cadres not to exaggerate the differences between the two.
He alleged that the BJP was trying to destroy the communal harmony in the State. “It should not be allowed. The BJP is the worst corrupt party in the country.” He asked the party to expand its base by giving more representation to women.
K.P. Rajendran, organising committee chairman, welcomed the gathering. Senior party leaders D. Raja, Annie Raja, K.E. Ismail, Pannian Ravindran, Binoy Viswam and Satyan Mokeri were present.
Earlier, senior leader C.A. Kurien hoisted the party flag. Mr. Rajendran received the torchlight brought from Manjeri.
Nearly 700 delegates from 14 districts are attending the four-day conference.
