BJP accuses CPM of ''abusing power'' at the Centre

Kochi, Jan 12 (UNI) Accusing the CPM of ''abusing its power without responsibility'' at the Centre, BJP President Rajnath Singh today said this was adversely affecting the country's governance.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Rajnath Singh claimed that the Congress also had become ''hostile'' to the ''pressure politics'' of the CPM.

''The ransom that the Congress is paying to the CPM is not only adversely affecting governance but the people of India are paying a heavy price for it,'' he added.

Accusing the UPA Government at the Centre and the Left Front Government in Kerala of failing to check price rise, Mr Singh said rice was selling at Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg in Kerala while during the NDA Government it was being sold at only Rs nine to ten per kg.

''The UPA and the CPM have failed to contain price rise and the people are suffering,'' he added.

He also accused the CPM-led Left Front Government in Kerala of practising religious intolerance and unleashing political violence against its opponents.

The CPM's opponents were being physically eliminated and the government machinery was protecting the party cadre, he added.

He also accused the Left Front Government of ''insulting'' the Christian community and mismanaging temples such as Sabarimala.

Stating that the Travancore Devaswom Board was packed with ''Leftists and non-believers'', Mr Rajnath Singh alleged that funds meant for the development of temples were being diverted for other causes.

Lakhs of devotees were visiting the Sabarimala temple at present but the arrangements for the devotees were inadequate, he said.

Urging the people of Kerala to look beyond the Congress and the Left, he said the BJP could act as a balancing force in the state.

''The BJP feels that the people of Kerala have suffered enough at the hands of the Congress and the Left. They should prepare for an alternative to liberate the state from the culture of political violence, extremism and poor governance,'' he added.

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