Karat calls for Left unity to fight communalism

Madurai, Jan 10 (UNI) CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat tonight called upon the Left parties and secular forces to stand united in their fight against communal politics.

Delivering the valedictory address at the 19 Tamil Nadu State Party Conference here, Mr Karat alleged, ''the invitation extended by AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi symbolises the alliance of communal forces in Tamil Nadu.'' ''The Left and all secular forces should unite and make sure that no communal politics flourish in Tamil Nadu,'' he said.

He urged the DMK government to take a lead role in fighting the communal forces in the state.

''The CPI(M) will stage relentless struggle against all forms of communalism, whether it is majority communalism represented by Hindutva forces or minority fundamentalism,'' he added.

''The minority, whether it is the Muslims or Christians, are treated as second-grade citizens in Gujarat,'' he alleged.

Reiterating that the CPI(M) would strive for a third alternative at the Centre, he said the Left parties would prepare an alternative platform on which all the parties and forces, which agree with the issues relating to the people, could come together.

He said the UPA government led by the Congress would complete its full term.

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