LDF will return to power in Kerala, says D. Raja

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D. Raja has expressed confidence that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) will retain power in Kerala in the upcoming Assembly elections, stating that the people of the State will once again stand by progressive and secular governance.

He was addressing the valedictory session of the CPI’s birth centenary celebrations in Thrissur on Friday.

Challenging the ideological foundation of the ruling BJP and its parent organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mr. Raja said: “I dare the RSS to show evidence of its role in the Indian Freedom Struggle. Those who had no part in India’s Independence are now ruling the country. Just as India once rose in unison to defeat British Raj, it should now unite to resist the authoritarianism of the RSS and the Modi Raj.”

Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Mr. Raja noted that the CPI was among the first to condemn the incident. “Yet while the sovereignty of our nation is under threat, the Prime Minister remains silent, even as the U.S. President claims credit for mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Mr. Modi is silent, obsessed only with winning elections and holding on to power, even if it means dismantling the very foundations of the Republic,” Mr. Raja alleged.

He praised Kerala for setting an example to the rest of India by defending democracy and federalism. “It was the communist movement in Kerala that broke the monopoly of single-party rule in India. At a time when communal and fascist forces are trying to divide the country, it is the youth who must rise with the spirit of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ to defend the Constitution,” he said.

Before delivering his speech, Mr. Raja was greeted by a parade of over a hundred youth volunteers from the Red Volunteers Army. The event was presided over by Revenue Minister K. Rajan. Many CPI leaders took part.

Published - May 30, 2025 09:21 pm IST