Huge setback for Left front: A Vijayaraghavan

MALAPPURAM: CPM politburo member A Vijayaraghavan said that the existence of the Left Front in the country has suffered a major setback in a decade. He was speaking at the seminar 'EMSinte Lokam' held at Shifa Convention Centre, Perinthalmanna.

"The Left Front's strength in the Parliament has reduced from 43 to three. The BJP grew tremendously during the time when the Left's influence declined. However, it is a great success that the Left government has come to power in Kerala for the second consecutive term. This achievement should not be underestimated in India where the far right has the upper hand. Hindu and Muslim communalists did not like the continuance of the Left government in Kerala. They all team up to destroy the left-wing base," Vijayaraghavan said.

"It is the agenda of the Indian ruling class to destroy the Left in its spheres of influence. There is a situation in Kerala where right-wing ideas are getting the upper hand. This should be taken seriously. We did not get the desired victory in the parliamentary elections. However, the Left will not surrender. The Communist Party is not only made up of members of Parliament. We should be part of mass resistance outside parliament. Muslims make up only four percent of the parliament. 15 percent of the country is Muslim. If we tell the fact, it will be interpreted as Muslim appeasement. We have to stand up for the concept of India when it is under attack. We should respond against mistakes," he added.