Left politicians raise Rahul’s ‘CJP’ comments at opposition meet | India News
NEW DELHI: Days after Congress leader and LOP Rahul Gandhi coined the term “CJP” to mock the CPM as “Communist Janata Party”, two Left leaders in Kerala have complained to the Bharat Bloc that such an attack could hurt unity among the opposition camps.CPM MP John Brittas and CPI member Sandosh Kumar told a meeting of opposition parties that Rahul Gandhi should refrain from such attacks. They argue that the connective tissue between India’s umbrella parties is their anti-BJP stance and the Left is a strong member of the alliance. Rahul was present at the meeting but did not speak on the issue.The discussion took place during the parliamentary strategy meeting of opposition parties at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharg’s office with attendees including Rahul Gandhi, Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), KC Venugopal (Congress), Shatabdi Roy (TMC), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) and Ramgopal Yadav (SP).
After important discussions, the Left members sought permission to raise some political issues. But Kharge reportedly rejected the claim that such issues could be discussed between individual parties and a meeting of opposition parties was called to discuss the parliamentary agenda.While some members claimed that Britus and Kumar were belittled, sources said that they have made their point. Although members of the Bharat Bloc, the Left and the Congress are direct rivals in Kerala, the latter pushed for the removal of the Pinarayi Vijayan government in the state. During his week-long visit to Kerala, which was packed with events to promote the upcoming state elections, Rahul alleged that the BJP and the CPI(M) had reached an agreement to jointly oppose the Congress. He said it is no longer CPI(M) and BJP, but CJP (Communist Janata Party). Kerala Congress leaders were present in the public meeting.The barb was in line with the Congress’ allegations that the ruling party in Kerala had struck a tacit understanding with the BJP to stop the Congress, and allegations have intensified since the Congress’s UDF alliance won local body elections in December, said to be a bellwether for the assembly polls.
