LDF united in spirit, will win next election too: D. Raja

CPI general secretary D. Raja on his arrival to inaugurate the conclusion of the birth centenary celebrations of the CPI in Thrissur on Friday . | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

“The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is united in spirt. Differences in perception are natural, but they are resolved through dialogue in the right forum. We will win the next election too, creating history in the State,” Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D. Raja has said.

Dismissing allegations of lack of intra-party democracy within the LDF, he asserted that the coalition functioned through regular discussions and collective decision-making.

“We are a coalition of interdependent parties. Differences in perception are natural, but they are being discussed and sorted out at appropriate forums. There must be mutual trust, respect, and a spirit of accommodation among us,” he said, underlining the LDF’s internal cohesion.

Mr. Raja stressed that beyond resisting the “fascist right-wing regime,” the LDF must also earn the people’s trust as a credible and consistent political force.

Speaking on cases registered by the Enforcement Directorate against Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was misusing Central agencies to target political opponents. However, he added that parties must also introspect on “why such allegations arise in the first place.”

Looking ahead to the Kerala elections, Mr. Raja expressed confidence of victory of the LDF, stating that the State had consistently led the nation in welfare and development models, and would once again show the way.

Mr. Raja said the LDF’s consistent struggle for livelihood, education, health-care, employment, housing, and food security, would be recognised by the people.

He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using military operations like Operation Sindoor to distract the public from pressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, and agrarian crisis. “But such strategies will not save Mr. Modi in the polls.”

Despite the government celebrating the operation as a success, key questions remained unanswered — how did terrorists infiltrate the country, kill 26 civilians, and escape without a trace? Mr. Raja criticised the Prime Minister for not addressing these questions publicly.

U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly claims that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan through trade pressure. Despite these assertions being in the public domain, Mr. Modi had neither acknowledged nor countered Mr. Trump’s claims, raising questions about the government’s silence.

“The military has presented its version of events, but there has been no official explanation from the government,” he said.

Mr. Raja alleged that the Modi government had internationalised the Kashmir issue, in violation of India’s long-held stance under the Shimla Agreement that it was a bilateral matter. Now the matter was open on international forum for discussion. “Instead of convening a special session to discuss the Kashmir attack, the BJP sent a multi-party delegation, leaving both Parliament and the public in the dark about the government’s assessment and next steps,” he said.

Criticising the BJP government’s economic narrative, Mr. Raja said while the Modi administration boasted of India becoming the fourth-largest economy, the country continued to slide in global human development indices. He slammed the BJP for failing on core promises like providing two crore jobs annually, bringing back black money, and ensuring fair MSP for farmers.

“Farmers are committing suicide while corporate companies are being protected and patronised,” he alleged.

Mr. Raja warned against the BJP’s push for “One Nation, One Election,” calling it a direct threat to federalism and India’s multiparty democracy. He concluded by saying Kerala must show the country a path forward by re-electing the LDF.

Published - May 30, 2025 10:05 pm IST