Left is the only ideological alternative to the BJP, says D. Raja

The Left is the only ideological alternative to the aggressive Right-wing politics of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D. Raja told The Hindu.

Against the backdrop of electoral setbacks in Kerala and the party’s failure to revive in West Bengal, the CPI has planned a nationwide political campaign from August 6 to 15, culminating in a public meeting in Delhi in September.

The CPI was working to strengthen its rank and file ahead of the next round of general elections so that it was not forced to negotiate from a position of weakness, Mr. Raja said.

Since 2014, Mr. Raja said, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-supported BJP government at the Centre had been pushing for a unidimensional India, ignoring the country’s diversity.

“The Left may have lost electoral battles and its presence in Parliament and Assemblies may have shrunk, but ideologically the Left is the only powerful alternative to BJP’s Right-wing politics,” he said.

This was why the BJP continued to target the Left, he added, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks after the recent election results on May 4, when Mr. Modi referred to Left leaders as “urban Naxals”.

Mr. Raja said the Left needed to “reconnect, revive and re-emerge” as a force to lead struggles linked to everyday issues. “From August 5 to 16, we will hold padyatras across the country to highlight the livelihood crisis. This campaign will conclude with a rally in Delhi on September 28,” he said.

He emphasised the need for unity among Left parties, and also underscored the importance of Opposition unity. “The Congress, as the largest party in the INDIA (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance) bloc, should be more accommodative. It should undertake serious introspection and a self-critical review of its policies in relation to its allies,” Mr. Raja said.

He acknowledged that the Left had to improve its social media outreach. “Unless the Left strengthens its organisation, it cannot negotiate from a position of strength,” Mr. Raja said.