CPM General Secretary said, “We will make every effort to achieve opposition unity. The CPM has paid the political price many times in the past to protect democratic values and the unity and integrity of the country.”
New Delhi: Despite political differences in several states between the parties in the INDIA alliance, the CPM has kept the possibility of opposition unity open. Party General Secretary MA Baby said that the objective of opposition unity at the national level is to strengthen the democratic system and counter the policies of the current government. While leaving the decision on a possible alliance with the TMC in West Bengal to the state unit, he said that the party will not shy away from fulfilling its responsibility to bring the state out of the current situation. He described Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the opposition and one of the key faces of the INDIA alliance, but considered it unnecessary to discuss shared leadership or a prime ministerial candidate at this time. Here are highlights from our conversation with MA Baby:
The unity of the INDIA Alliance is visible in shared platforms and protests, but will this translate into electoral cooperation?
The INDIA Alliance is not just an electoral mechanism. It is a platform to reclaim the democratic space that has been systematically weakened in the country. Elections are an important part of this larger struggle, and our work will certainly impact the elections. Despite regional differences, political parties have come together on common platforms. We believe that the largest opposition party in a state should take the initiative to bring other parties together so that the NDA does not benefit from a divided opposition. The joint protests against the SIR have begun to unite the opposition in this direction. However, much remains to be done.
Is Rahul Gandhi being accepted as the natural leader of the INDIA Alliance? Should the alliance announce a common leader or face?
Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one of the prominent faces of the Congress. The Congress is the largest political component of the INDIA Alliance. Therefore, their role in the alliance is naturally important and recognized. However, now is not the time to engage in technical discussions such as announcing a common leader or a national face. The priority at this time should be to unite the opposition to protect the democratic system.
In Kerala, the Congress and the CPM are political rivals, while in West Bengal, the CPM and the TMC. How practical is opposition unity amid such contradictions?
This is a difficult period in our national life, and difficult decisions sometimes have to be made. We have never hidden our differences with the Congress in Kerala and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Nearly three decades ago, the Left took a difficult but important decision, supporting the Congress in forming the UPA government to keep communal thinking out of power.
Does the CPM see the possibility of a political alliance with the TMC in West Bengal?
It is the state unit’s job to consider and decide on such matters. The central leadership is always available to provide appropriate suggestions. I would just like to say that circumstances have changed at the state level as well after the BJP came to power. Efforts are needed at every level to bring West Bengal out of this situation. We will not lag behind in fulfilling our responsibilities. We are not denying this.
Are there serious questions about the transparency of the electoral process?
Media revelations and the Election Commission’s backtracking on its earlier decisions make it clear that the entire SIR exercise was aimed at undermining free and fair elections. Almost every step of this government has been aimed at obstructing the will of the people. The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court clearly stated that an independent Election Commission is essential for fair elections. The attempt to circumvent that decision was aimed at turning the Commission into an institution subservient to the executive. Our protest is not limited to demanding the resignation of any individual. Our demand is for a fair electoral process under an independent Election Commission.
The Left’s presence in Parliament has become limited. What is the reason for its declining influence in national politics?
We have always been at the forefront of the fight for people’s rights. There are many reasons for this decline, and we are making conscious efforts to overcome them. However, I want to clarify that the political vision advocated by the Left is gaining widespread support and acceptance beyond electoral numbers, organizational strength, and political structures.
Has the opposition succeeded in turning issues like unemployment and inflation into a major movement?
There is clear public anger over inflation, unemployment, and rural distress. Even those who support the government acknowledge these realities. The first major protest at Jantar Mantar was driven by the anger of the youth. They were raising their voices against a government that had crushed their aspirations for education and employment. Today, more and more sections of society are raising their voices against the government. The atmosphere of fear that existed earlier has largely dissipated. People are showing courage to speak out for their rights. In the coming days, the country will witness even larger protests involving diverse sections of society.
What is your vision for the future of the CPM?
We have held several meetings at the central and state levels. These include meetings of the expanded state committees of West Bengal and Kerala. We are both aware of our limitations and our greater responsibilities. We clearly believe that a greater number of youth and women should be brought into leadership roles. Changes in political and organizational approaches must also be made in accordance with current challenges. Changes in this direction have already begun. The role of the Left in the ongoing protests in Delhi and other parts of the country is a testament to this.
Reported by: Hemant Rajoura • Edited by: Nityanand Pathak
About the Author
Hemant Rajoura is a special correspondent for Navbharat Times. He extensively covers the politics of major opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the RJD. He also keeps a close eye on important news related to health, science, and policy.
Courtesy: Hindi News