LOk Sabha polls 2014: CPM slams BJP manifesto

NEW DELHI: CPM today hit out at the BJP for highlighting its "hardcore Hindutva" agenda and opening up the economy to foreign capital and big business in the manifesto, saying the divide between the 'shining and suffering' India would sharply widen under this party.

"In the first place, BJP was forced to come out with a manifesto following a public outcry against it making a bid for power without a programme and solely relying on the 'Modi mantra'," senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said here.

Observing that BJP has reiterated its "hardcore Hindutva agenda" by highlighting issues like the Ram Temple, abrogation of Article 370 and a uniform civil code, Yechury said "this is its real agenda".

"That it will abide by the Constitution on the temple issue is a total eyewash. Which constitutional provision has endorsed the destruction of the Babri Masjid," he asked.

On the economic front, Yechury said the BJP wants to "further open up the country's resources and the market to foreign capital and Indian big business, allowing them to maximise profits at the expense of the vast mass of people."

"The divide between the two Indias -- shining and suffering -- is thus destined to widen sharply under the BJP," the CPI(M) leader said.

The BJP has also not substantiated how it would implement the "tall promises" it has made in the manifesto, he said, adding that everyone can give "a series of slogans, but the question is how to realise them. The manifesto should explain this, but the BJP has failed to do so."