'CPM will take lead in formation of alternative secular front'

Vijayawada, Feb 8: Senior CPM leader Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said, formation of a "secular and democratic" front is the need of the hour in current political scenario to fight against the "anti-people" policies of the BJP-led NDA regime.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day conclave of the Andhra Pradesh unit of the party, the CPM Politburo member said, "the CPM will take the lead in formation of the alternative, democratic and secular front".

In his address, Yechury accused the NDA government at the Centre of following anti-people policies by encouraging privatisation, facilitating FDI and divesting public sector undertakings which he said have created crises in political, economic and social sectors in the country.

Yechury alleged that BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS are instigating communal violence to "divert" people's attention from these crises.

Referring to Delhi Assembly elections held yesterday, wherein exit polls are predicting victory for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Yechury said the voting trend showed the anti-government feelings of people.

"Within nine months under NDA government, people have suffered and realised the way Modi is functioning," the senior leader said.

Raising the pitch for electoral reforms, Yechury said they are crucial for cutting down the power of money in elections.

"In Delhi polls, the BJP spent huge amount on advertisements to lure voters. This trend of (spending money) may damage the democratic spirit," Yechury said, adding that "proportionate representation" is the only solution to check money power and save democracy.

He said, recent visit of US President Barack Obama to India was meant to benefit only that country.

"The US has been facing a financial crisis since 2008 and could not come out of it. Obama visited India to save his nation and also the US investors. His visit was to promote their investments in our country," Yechury said.

He alleged Prime Minister Modi has allowed FDI in almost all sectors, including agriculture, in agreement with US.

"These actions of Modi will damage the interests of the nation," he said.

PTI