Signals from Modi govt confirm communal polarisation fears: CPI(M)

New Delhi, May 29: CPI(M) on Thursday said the "initial signals" coming out after the

government took over have confirmed apprehensions of "sharpening of

polarisation" and implementation of further liberalised economic policies which would impose burden on the people.

"Initial signals coming out from this government only appear to re-confirm the apprehensions aired ... during the election campaign of sharpening of communal polarisation on one hand, and imposition of further burdens on the people due to implementation of further economic reforms of liberalisation on the other," senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said.

Referring to recent statements made on Article 370 by Minister of State in PMO Jitender Singh, and those on minorities by new Ministers Najma Heptullah and Thavarchand Gehlot, he said, "The core Hindutva agenda is finding its reflection in such a manner on matters of government policy."

In an editorial in the forthcoming issue of CPI(M) organ 'People's Democracy', he said repealing of Article 370 was "part of the real agenda of RSS-BJP during these elections.

They had claimed that they could not repeal this Article during the period of Vajpayee government due to a lack of majority". BJP manifesto has also said the party "remains committed to the abrogation of this Article". "It is of grave concern that the RSS-BJP's core Hindutva agenda is also raising its ugly face in terms of sharpening communal polarisation in various parts of the country," Yechury said.

He also referred to a statement by RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar, "one of the main persons indicted in several instances of Hindutva organisations-sponsored terrorist attacks", calling for withdrawal of all such cases being pursued by the CBI, NIA and the ATS.

"Indeed, there is a need to not merely brace ourselves for such a double whammy attack but to prepare for mightier struggles in the future in defence of our country's unity and integrity and for improving the quality of life of our people," the senior CPI(M) leader said.

PTI