CPM helping BJP's return: Antony

Kozhikode, Apr 26 : By threatening to review support to Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre, the CPI (M) was facilitating the return of ''communal'' Bharatiya Janata Party to power, CWC member A K Antony said today.

Referring to CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat's recent statement that the Left would review support to the UPA after the assembly poll, he told a ''meet-the press programme'' here will the CPI (M) help BJP to come back to power or plan a Third Front.

He said pulling down the Manmohan Singh government would only strengthen the BJP, ultimately posing a big threat to the secular character of the country.

Urging the party to clear its stand on the issue, he said Mr Karat had the reponsibility to tell the people's court in unequivocal terms whether they would extend support for five years or pull it down mid-way.

Describing the CPI (M) as an ''anti-development outfit'', he said that party had always opposed progressive steps, including computerisation and introduction of mechanised farming. The economic situation of the state would worsen if LDF came to power.

He alleged that people cannot expect much from the CPI (M) as it pursued an ''outdated ideology.'' Law and order situation in Kerala was at a low ebb whenever the LDF ruled the state, he charged referring to the political violence in the northern districts during the LDF rule last time.

As many as 43 people were killed in Thalassery in Kannur disrict alone following clashes between the activists of the CPI (M) and RSS during the LDF regime, he said.

Seeking a fresh mandate for the UDF, he said the government was able to intiate many progressive steps during its five year term and needed a second term for carrying forward its developmental agenda.

UNI