MA Baby Criticises Rahul Gandhi for Equating CPI(M) with RSS Ahead of INDIA Bloc Meeting

Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) General Secretary MA Baby criticised Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, for equating the RSS and the Left party. This criticism came just before the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for Saturday evening. Baby reminded Gandhi that Congress needed Left support to form a government in 2004.

In a video shared on X, Baby expressed that Gandhi's statement showed a lack of understanding of CPIM and RSS roles in Kerala and India. Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Kottayam, Kerala, mentioned his ideological fight against both RSS and CPIM, criticising their lack of empathy for people.

CPIM's Role in Kerala

Baby highlighted that CPIM has been at the forefront of fighting RSS ideologically and politically in Kerala. He stated, "They have killed around 100 young CPIM comrades as we are committed in the fight against RSS." Baby questioned whether Gandhi knew Congress's record in fighting RSS in Kerala.

He emphasised that equating CPIM with RSS shows a misunderstanding of their roles. "We do not have to elaborate how systematically we have been fighting the RSS and BJP," Baby added. He urged Gandhi to remember that Manmohan Singh's government in 2004 relied on Left support due to Congress lacking a majority.

Political Dynamics in Kerala

Baby pointed out that when Gandhi visits Kerala, he becomes a former MP from Wayanad. In Wayanad, Gandhi faced a CPI candidate rather than fighting RSS or BJP. Baby hoped Gandhi would be more serious when speaking against CPIM, acknowledging that criticism is welcome but should be informed.

Gandhi had contested against CPI candidate Annie Raja in Wayanad. Although he also won from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, he vacated the Wayanad seat, which Priyanka Gandhi Vadra later won. Baby noted that while CPIM criticises Congress's economic policies, they do so amicably.

Political Alliances and Criticisms

"We will make independent criticisms, but we will never equate the Congress with the BJP or RSS," Baby stated. He found it unfortunate that Gandhi casually grouped CPIM and RSS as ideological foes. Both Congress and CPIM are part of the INDIA bloc, an alliance opposing BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front led by CPIM and the United Democratic Front led by Congress are main rivals. The BJP is attempting to gain ground in the state. Baby's remarks reflect ongoing political tensions and alliances shaping India's political landscape.

With inputs from PTI