CPI (M) opposes simultaneous polls to LS, States

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed concern over the proposal of the Bharatiya Janata Party to hold simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies claiming that it goes against the spirit of federalism.

The party opined that conduct of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State legislatures was aimed at strengthening the Centre at the expense of the States.

“Such a proposal is harmful to the democracy. Claims that simultaneous elections will reduce costs involved in mobilising armed forces and other issues reflect the fascist trends of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” CPI (M) politbureau member B.V. Raghavulu said.

Mr. Raghavulu at a press conference here on Sunday briefed the arrangements being made for the party’s forthcoming 22nd national congress from April 18.

Deliberations on 25 issues

The national congress would feature participation of 764 delegates from across the country and deliberate on 25 issues of public importance including Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s efforts to saffronise education and other key sectors.

The party’s political resolution would be the first issue on the agenda and it would encompass the alternative policies proposed by the CPI (M).

These include enactment of a legislation to guarantee remunerative prices to farmers’ produce, introduction of rule of reservation in the private sector and measures to check the privatisation of health, education and other sectors.

“The party will take essence of these alternative policies to the people after the conclusion of the 22nd congress,” he said.

He alleged that the Modi government was targetting the Left front forces for their intensified efforts to mobilise support against its communal policies.

This was evident from the recent developments in Tripura, Kerala and West Bengal and other States where the Bharatiya Janata Party’s top leadership staged dharnas in front of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) offices.

“These events expose the apprehensions of the ruling party over the impact of the campaign launched by the Left parties,” he said.