“RSS’ divisive politics on basis of temples and mosques will not be allowed to gain a foothold in State”

For the first time former Chief Minister and CPI (M)’s Politburo member Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee pulled no punches in attacking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a public rally.

Addressing the gathering on the final day of the Left Front’s three-day protest on Friday, he said that the RSS is trying to spread its network in the State.

He alleged that the RSS is trying to encourage divisive politics in the State and the Left Front will play a pro-active role to control the rise of the RSS .

So far, the top officials of the Left have been critical of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and occasionally BJP. But on Friday, besides criticising the TMC and the BJP, Mr. Bhattacharjee did not spare the RSS. He made it clear that the CPI (M) is seriously concerned about the rise of Hindu nationalist organisation in the State. Mr. Bhattacharya vowed to resist such organisations in Bengal.

“In many parks and grounds in the State, RSS cadre are strutting around in their khaki uniform. We will not let the RSS swing its lathis (sticks) in the State,” said Mr. Bhattacharjee.

The former Chief Minister said, “The RSS’ divisive politics on the basis of mandir (temples) and masjid (mosques) will not be allowed to gain a foothold in the State.”

Coming down heavily on the BJP for being an extremely right-wing entity, Mr. Bhattacharjee said the BJP is trying to occupy the opposition space in Bengal. He criticised the BJP for its attempt to reduce government subsidies on rail fare or fuel, adding that it wants corporate houses to run the country. “When our (Left Front) MPs were in Parliament, we went all out, always, to resist such attempts to initiate anti-people measures,” Mr. Bhattacharjee said, and added, “The TMC has 34 MPs in Parliament. I would like to ask and know what they are doing in the House.”

“The celebrity MPs of the TMC will never understand the plight of those who suffer from rail fare hike and price rise.”

He slammed the TMC government for the ongoing uncertainty in jute mills. “Only by uniting under the red flag of the Left parties, the mill workers can alleviate their condition.” He accused the State government of failing to generate employment for the youth and the alleged irregularities in the primary teachers’ examination.

Left Front State Committee chairman Biman Bose criticised the TMC for trying to curb the democratic rights of the people.

He also said that after the TMC came to power in 2011, 157 Left Front workers have been killed. Leaders of other constituents of the Left Front also spoke in the same vein. The demonstration was attended by Left Front workers from across the State.