Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022659761000.htm

National

Congress soft on Hindutva: RSP

Vinay Kumar

Government preaches one thing, practises another: Chandrachoodan

Emphasises need for Left unity
“National level front necessary’

NEW DELHI: The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a constituent of the Left Front in West Bengal, on Monday said the Left parties extended support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on two major issues — to keep communal forces out of power and adhere strictly to the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP).

At a press conference after the end of the party’s 18th national conference, the newly-elected general secretary, T.J. Chandrachoodan, said the Left parties confronted the UPA government on issues. “The UPA government preaches one thing and practises another.”

Alleging that the Congress was soft on Hindutva, he said that party was not ready to face up to the “hardcore Hindutva” of the BJP. Citing the example of the recent Gujarat Assembly elections, Mr. Chandrachoodan said it was the duty of the Congress to fight the BJP’s communalism but its leadership was tackling the issue rather softly.

On the NCMP, Mr. Chandrachoodan said it was violated several times. It was for the Left parties to review their support to the UPA government. Emphasising the need for Left unity, he said the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, RSP and Forward Bloc should form a national level “united front” to facilitate the emergence of a third alternative. “The CPI(M) is also veering around the same view that a cohesive, united Left front is a necessity at the national level if we have to fight communalism.”

Mr. Chandrachoodan said regional socialist and Left parties could also join the “amalgamation” process. “Extreme Left elements are misguided and they will have to join the political mainstream.”

“We have decided to convene a meeting of all Left partners, including the misguided armed Maoists and other groups to consolidate the Left forces, and also to bring them into the national mainstream.”

The RSP national conference adopted resolutions against atrocities on women, spiralling foodgrain prices and attacks on north Indians and non-Maharashtrians in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra.