BJP criticises CPI(M) for ''abusing power'' at Centre

Kochi, Jan 12 (UNI) Accusing the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of ''abusing its power without responsibility'' at the Centre, Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh today said this had adversely affected the country's governance.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Singh claimed that the Congress had become ''hostile'' to the ''pressure politics'' of the CPI(M).

The ransom that the Congress was paying to the CPI(M) was not only affecting governance but the people of the country were paying a heavy price for it, he alleged.

Accusing the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre and the Left Front government in Kerala of failing to check the price rise, Mr Singh alleged that rice was selling at Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg in Kerala, while during the tenure of the National Democratic Alliance government, it was being sold at only Rs nine to ten per kg.

The BJP President also accused the Kerala government of indulging in religious intolerance and unleashing political violence against its opponents. The CPI(M)'s opponents were being physically eliminated and the government machinery was protecting the party cadre, he alleged.

He also criticised the state government for ''insulting the Christian community and mismanaging Sabarimala, among other temples.'' Alleging that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) was packed with ''Leftists and non-believers'', Mr Singh said funds meant for the development of temples were being diverted for other causes.

The BJP chief said lakhs of devotees were visiting Sabarimala, but adequate facilities were not provided to them.

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

Mr Singh said ''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.'' UNI ARC KVV MS KN1920