Strong Left can save India from religious fanatics: CPI leader R Mutharasan

CHENNAI: CPI State secretary R Mutharasan said the so-called unshakable stature of the BJP is only a media hype and myth. The myth has recently collapsed in Bihar. The trend will follow, thanks to secular parties and democratic forces. Excerpts of the interview...

Are communist parties the weakest link in the DMK-led alliance?
Unlike 2019 parliament election, the outcome of the 2021 assembly elections varied from region to region. Despite our alliance winning public faith, every party had to lose some constituencies, including the DMK, for various local reasons. Hence, it shouldn’t be considered a weakness of the left. People accepted our alliance and our team bagged the victory.

Is there any strategy to tackle the emergence of right-wing forces?
To impart political awareness among cadres and leaders, we are going to commence the ideological workshops again. In which, the cadres and leaders will be given proper training as per our political syllabus on the importance of strengthening left wings and preventing the emergence of divisive forces such as the right wing and other religious fanatics. We have also discussed various strategies such as publishing booklets on political developments and exposing opportunistic, pro-corporate, anti-people activities and attitude of the saffron party and the union government. And we have drawn a strategy to increase the social media influence of the left-wing ideologists as well. We hope exposing BJP would help strengthen the left wings in the country.

Can opposition parties stop the BJP from further increasing its strength?
The so-called unshakable strength of the BJP is only media hype and a myth. The bubble has been busted in Bihar. Opposition parties will continue to stand united against the BJP and unseat them in the coming elections with the support of the people.

When will the communist parties merge?
Our all India party conference is scheduled between October 14 to 18 at Vijayawada. A discussion on the merger is in its agenda. We hope the merger will take place for the welfare of the country and the working class.

Will the communist parties bag enough MPs and vote share in the 2024 polls?
The upcoming election will be a boost for us as the failure of the BJP and their divisive politics would push the voters towards us. No one can wipe out the communist parties from the minds of people.

Is the party turning a blind eye towards L&O issues because it’s in the ruling alliance?
Chief Minister MK Stalin is taking immediate steps to resolve issues as soon as they are made known. Even DMK cadres were arrested for various issues and cases were registered against them. Hence, there is no need to vehemently oppose the government for some minor issues when the government is actively taking steps to address any issue that arise in the State.