Kerala polls: Boundary between Cong & BJP blurred says, MA Baby

Kochi: CPM general secretary M A Baby said that through FCRA amendment, Union govt is targeting not only religious minorities but also civil rights and human rights organisations. Speaking at ‘meet the leader' programme in Kochi on Wednesday, Baby said the aim is to stop those who expose anti-democratic activities of BJP and RSS from such activities.

"This amendment grants central govt the power to take over assets of various non-governmental organisations engaged in activities like running old age homes, educational programmes and charitable work," Baby said. "However, RSS, which organises communal riots and violence, is being excluded from the law's purview," Baby added.

"During Emergency, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced this law with political motives and began to act with hostility," Baby said. "Even then, RSS was excluded from the law's purview. When the ban on RSS imposed after Gandhiji's assassination was lifted, justification was that RSS was a cultural organisation, and Indira used the same justification," he said.

"Deal with RSS initiated by Congress during Indira's time was solidified when Rajiv Gandhi, as Prime Minister, facilitated the foundation stone laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya," Baby alleged. "The deal extended to demolition of Babri Masjid during Narasimha Rao's tenure as Prime Minister. Subsequently, boundary between Congress and BJP blurred, making it easy for any Congress member to join BJP now," Baby said.

"Leftists are those who work from a humanistic perspective to bring about changes in economic and social conditions. Rahul Gandhi's statement that Kerala is not leftist stems from his lack of understanding," Baby said. "CPM and LDF will never cooperate with those who have communal stances or such operational styles," the party general secretary said. "However, such people may announce decisions based on their conclusions. CPM or LDF will not attempt to reach an understanding by talking to them. Here, it is Congress and UDF that have openly allied with religious nationalists and communal forces," he said.

Baby also mentioned that Congress and BJP are competing to make false promises to public through their election manifestos.

Chief minister seeks withdrawal of FCRA Amendment Bill

In Haripad, CM Pinarayi Vijayan demanded that Centre must immediately withdraw Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill. "Those who disguise themselves as Marichan to create division in society may even reach ‘aramana' with cakes. Such people, who come seeking votes, need to be identified and watched. Their visits are with hidden agendas. BJP will arrive with promises in various disguises. Believing them will make it impossible to live in Kerala as we did until yesterday. Even if audit details are given, they will seize assets of organizations in India, which will mostly affect minority groups. Such concerns have been shared by Christian leaders. Centre, which should unite people, is adopting a hostile approach towards minorities. Politics of BJP, which heads Centre, is implementing RSS-approved policies," he said.