Build Broader Movement With Like-Minded Forces Across India; Counter Communalism at Grassroots: M. V. Govindan

Kozhikode: CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan has strongly criticised what he described as a campaign by right-wing media outlets against the party, accusing them of spreading misleading reports about the extended state committee meeting. M V Govindan said the party would identify the agenda behind such reports and take efforts to counter it. He also said discussions at the meeting had highlighted the need to strengthen organisational activities at the branch level and build resistance against communalism at the grassroots. He said the media were presenting criticism raised during the discussions as major news. “The CPI(M), right from its preamble, says there should be discussion, criticism and self-criticism. The party approaches its documents with all these elements,” he said. He said it was therefore misleading to portray the fact that discussions and criticism took place as something unusual or scandalous. He added that a proposal had also emerged to build a broader movement at the national level by bringing together people with similar political views, particularly in the context of the actions of central investigative agencies. Several suggestions were raised during the discussions to address organisational shortcomings, he said. Delegates called for stronger resistance against what they described as the state's approach of fully implementing the Centre's policies. District representatives also stressed the need to mount strong resistance against the activities of central agencies, he said. Govindan said communal forces were intervening at the grassroots and that ideological and cultural resistance must be built against them. Attempts were being made to communalise people's lives and outlooks, he said. He also called for conscious efforts to make all festivals and celebrations inclusive and ensure that they become occasions belonging to all sections of society.