CPI-M releases Lok Sabha election manifesto, urges voters to defeat BJP alliance

The three basic appeals made to the electorates by CPI-M in its election manifesto are to defeat BJP alliance, increase the strength of the Left in Lok Sabha and establish an alternative secular government at the Centre.

In its manifesto, CPI-M said: "These elections are the most crucial in the history of independent India.  What is at stake is the very future of the secular democratic republic, as enshrined in our Constitution.  The future is at stake, because, the BJP-led NDA government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promotes the unprecedented sharpening of communal polarisation severely disrupting the harmony of our rich, diverse social fabric. It has mounted a brazen and continuing assault on all Constitutional authorities and institutions during these last five years.  The BJP continuing to head the central government will further undermine the fundamental pillars of our Constitution.

Hence, the primary task before India’s electorate is to ensure the defeat of this government and give a mandate for the establishment of an alternative secular government that can defend our Constitutional republic and, then, proceed to further consolidate it.  This can, however, succeed only if the current policy direction is radically shifted in people’s favour.  This, in turn, requires a stronger presence of the CPI(M) and the Left in the 17th Lok Sabha of India."

How Left is prominent in national politics?

After losing power in West Bengal in 2011 and latest in Tripura last year, CPI-M is having its hold mostly in southern state Kerala.

The CPI-M presently has only nine members in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the parliament).

Image Credit: IBNS file