CPM Alleges Congress Role in BJP's Kerala Electoral Victories
CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Friday made significant allegations against the Congress party, claiming it had directly facilitated the Bharatiya Janata Party's electoral successes in two key Kerala constituencies. Govindan asserted that the Congress paved the way for BJP's victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency during the 2024 general elections and previously in the Nemom assembly constituency back in 2016.
Responding to Allegations of CPM-BJP Deal
Govindan was specifically addressing accusations raised by United Democratic Front leaders regarding an alleged deal between the CPM and BJP. Speaking to reporters, the CPM leader provided detailed electoral analysis to counter these claims and shift blame toward the Congress party.
"Thrissur represents the BJP's solitary Lok Sabha victory within Kerala state, while Nemom stands as their only assembly seat triumph in the region. Both these outcomes occurred primarily due to substantial declines in Congress vote shares," Govindan explained during his press interaction.
Contrasting Political Approaches
The CPM leader emphasized the ideological differences between his party and the Congress regarding their approach to right-wing organizations. "The Left Democratic Front has consistently maintained opposition to both the RSS and the BJP, whereas the Congress party, particularly under the leadership of V D Satheesan, has engaged in discussions with RSS leadership," Govindan stated.
He further elaborated on the electoral dynamics: "Although the BJP secured Nemom in 2016, the LDF effectively eliminated their presence in the 2021 assembly polls. We anticipate a similar outcome will unfold in Thrissur. During the recent Lok Sabha election, Congress experienced an 84,000 vote reduction in Thrissur. Consequently, the BJP captured the seat with a 74,000 vote margin, while LDF actually increased its vote count by 16,000. The question remains: which political entity ultimately assisted the BJP in winning this constituency?"
Swaraj Demands Apology from Congress Leader
Meanwhile, CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj intensified the criticism against the Congress party during a separate news conference held in Kochi. Swaraj highlighted what he described as the continuation of Congress's historical communal alliances, pointing specifically to opposition leader V D Satheesan's attendance at an RSS event where he paid respects to a portrait of M.S. Golwalkar.
Historical Context and Contemporary Concerns
"The Congress party possesses a documented history of forming public communal alliances against prominent leftist leaders like EMS and AKG. This practice persists during and after election cycles," Swaraj asserted. He went further to suggest that "the 'CJP' designation appropriately fits the Congress party" in reference to allegations of communal political partnerships.
Swaraj provided specific historical context: "In 2006, immediately preceding legislative assembly elections, Satheesan participated in Golwalkar centenary celebrations organized by the RSS in Paravur. Golwalkar authored ideological texts advocating for the eradication of Muslims, Christians, and communists from Indian society."
Call for Accountability and Clarification
The CPM leader issued a direct demand for accountability: "Satheesan must offer a formal apology to secular Kerala for attending the centenary celebration of an individual like Golwalkar. Furthermore, clarity is essential regarding whether he would accept future invitations to RSS events if extended again."
These allegations and demands emerge amid heightened political tensions in Kerala, with the CPM attempting to deflect accusations of collaboration with the BJP while simultaneously criticizing the Congress for what they characterize as enabling right-wing electoral successes through vote fragmentation and ideological compromises.
