BJP-led combine an alliance of contradictions: CPI

BJP-led combine an alliance of contradictions: CPI



CHENNAI: Describing the BJP-led alliance in Tamil Nadu as an "alliance of contradictions", CPI National Secretary D. Raja on Sunday wondered how long it would hold together and claimed that the traditional Dravidian parties in the state were facing a testing time.

The CPI leader also asked why AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa was aggressive only against Congress and DMK and not against BJP and claimed that it led to several political questions.

"It (BJP-led alliance) is a combine of contradictory forces. How long they would remain together, it is for time to tell us. They have contradictions and conflict among themselves," Raja told reporters here, replying to a query.

"This has come as a testing time for the Dravidian parties," said the leader, whose party has been riding piggyback on the two traditional Dravidian parties - AIADMK and DMK - in the past.

The CPI and CPI (M) parted ways with the AIADMK in the run up to the April 24 Lok Sabha polls over the issue of seat sharing.

"The Left is not responsible for whatever happened. It is AIADMK which brought such a position... to press the understanding with the Left parties. Why she did it? Why AIADMK took an about turn? It is for them to explain," he said.

Asserting that the Left parties would impact the outcome of election results in many constituencies, he said there was a force, which was non-Congress and non-BJP, emerging in the country.

Replying to a query on a SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's recent controversial remarks on rape, Raja said, "There is a huge difference between a mistake and a crime. Whether Mr Mulayam Singh is clear about this or not, one should ask. We are now discussing crime and there should be zero tolerance on crimes committed against women."

Yadav had questioned the death penalty for rape, saying "mistakes" by boys happen sometimes, sparking outrage among rival parties and women's groups.

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister had also said there was a need to change the new anti-rape law so that those misusing it are punished. The legislation was invoked by a Mumbai court for the first time recently to sentence three repeat rape offenders to death.