'Modi govt pushing its agenda of communal politics'

Kolkata, Aug 6: Accusing the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of trying to push its agenda of "communal politics and neo-liberal policies", CPI(M) state Secretary and Politburo member Surya Kanta Mishra said under Modi's regime it is not a crime to lynch a Dalit or Muslim but to kill a cow is considered a crime.

"There is a difference between NDA-1 government under Vajpayee and NDA-2 government under Modi. The Modi government is more aggressive in pushing communal and neo-liberal policies.

"Under this BJP government, killing a cow is a crime but killing a Dalit or Muslim is not treated as a crime," Mishra said while addressing a party program here.

Mishra said the activities of cow vigilante groups have increased both in Bengal and other parts of the country. "Several incidents of such cow vigilante groups attacking dalits and people from the minority community have been reported from various parts of the country.

"In Bengal also such things have started. 'Gau Raksha' committees are visiting every household to check the number of cows in the state. They are not bothered about people but they are bothered about cows. In spite of statements by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee such things are going on," Mishra said.

PTI