Left parties object to Praveen Chakravarty linking party to ‘new alliance’

Chennai: Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty caused a stir in the political circle claiming that he was selected as the first MP candidate of the `Tamil Nadu Social Justice Progressive Front.’ He had listed out the names of TVK, Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI and CPM as constituents of the front.

The social media post invited a immediate rebuttal from the left parties as well as VCK. “It is incorrect to state that he has been nominated as the Rajya Sabha candidate on behalf of a new alliance,” state CPM secretary Shanmugam said, objecting to the inclusion of CPM in the list of parties in the alliance. He described the post as a “adhiga prasangithanam”.

Chakravarty had posted on social media that he considered it “a matter of pride and great responsibility” to have been chosen as the first MP candidate of the Tamil Nadu Social Justice Progressive Front (TVK+INC+VCK+IUML+CPI+CPM). He also thanked leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and chief minister C Joseph Vijay for reposing faith in him.

Shanmugam said no one had approached or consulted the CPM regarding the formation of such an alliance or for extending support to Chakravarty’s candidature.

“On what basis the Marxist Communist Party extended support to the TVK to form the govt has already been clearly stated,” he said.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the social media statement was a political blunder.

Senior CPI leader R Muthruasan told media persons in Trichy that the party extend support to TVK govt only to prevent President rule in TN. ``We are not part of such an alliance,’’ he said.

Praveen Chakravarty later visited the offices of CPM and CPI to meet the left leaders when the leaders conveyed their objection. “He also accepted it,” Veerapandian said. He also called on chief minister C Joseph Vijay at the secretariat.