BJP-RSS Cadres Attacking, Killing Our Men in Kerala, Says CPI-M

Jaitley is visiting Kerala in the wake of increasing attacks on BJP-RSS workers allegedly by CPI (M) activists.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley. 

(Photo: Reuters)

The CPI-M on Friday accused the BJP-RSS cadres for attacking and killing the Left party's workers and supporters in Kerala and accused the BJP of "doublespeak".

The BJP leadership is indulging in doublespeak on the clashes between CPI-M and BJP-RSS workers in Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala.

Communist Party of India Marxist Statement

It alleged that since the formation of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the southern state, "13 CPI-M workers and others have been killed by RSS-BJP men, more than 200 party members and sympathisers injured and hospitalised, and over 165 houses and 51 party and other offices attacked, set on fire or vandalised".

13 people were murdered by RSS. Part and parcel of their planned strategy to expand their social base thru creating terror and violence. Entire onus of ending violence is on RSS and they are not responding to any of the initiatives taken by the state government.

Sitaram Yechury

The Chief Minister had convened a meeting of the state leaders of CPI-M and Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh combine on 31 July to discuss ways and means to ensure peace.

It is at such juncture that BJP central leadership and a Union Minister have raised baseless and partisan allegations against the CPI-M in Kerala. BJP General Secretary Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister Smriti Irani have even questioned the sincerity of the Chief Minister’s initiative that has yielded results.

Saying that the Union Home Minister adopts one position while another Minister and BJP leadership take a contrary stand, the CPI-M said: "This clearly shows that the BJP-RSS leaders are not keen to see peace is restored and there are no political clashes."

It said BJP-RSS began their attacks the very day assembly election results in Kerala were announced in May 2016.

The game plan is clear -- resort to provocative actions and uncalled for physical assaults against CPI-M workers and then cry that the CPI-M is resorting to violence and also blame the Kerala government for not stopping such attacks.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley will visit the house of slain RSS worker Rajesh, who was hacked to death by a gang near Thiruvananthapuram on 6 August. Jaitley will also visit the houses of BJP ward councillors, which were allegedly attacked by CPI(M) activists in various parts of Thiruvanathapuram last week, a BJP statement said.

I will on Sunday visit homes of some people who have been killed, belonging to my party and other organisations.

Arun Jaitley

The RSS also arranged for a meeting to discuss the incident.

We passed a resolution in RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meet regarding attacks on RSS by CPI(M) cadres in Kerala. Scheduled castes are also frightened in Kerala. CPI(M) is known for violence and they should change their attitude.

Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Leader

Also Read: 8 Held For RSS Man’s Murder, Kerala Governor Summons CM

A series of clashes between CPI(M) and BJP-RSS activists had rocked Thiruvanathauram last week, which culminated in the killing of 34-year-old RSS worker Rajesh.

He was hacked to death by a gang, allegedly led by a history-sheeter, on 29 July. His left arm was chopped off and there were several other injuries all over his body. The BJP had alleged that the CPI(M) was behind the murder, a charge denied by the ruling party. The BJP statement said,

Jaitley will hold discussions with state BJP leaders on the issue. BJP MPs had visited the Union Home Minister seeking the Centre’s intervention in this regard earlier

Rajesh’s widow also accused CPI(M) workers for her husband’s murder. Speaking to CNN News 18, Rajesh’s widow said:

This is a political murder and CPI(M) workers killed him. They chopped off his hand. Why did they have to kill him with such brutality? I have two children. Who will take care of them now?

Also Read: Kerala Faced Shutdown Due to BJP Hartal Over RSS Man’s Murder

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also raised the issue of attack against BJP workers in the Parliament recently. Governor P Sathasivam had summoned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and DGP Loknath Behara to ascertain the action taken by the government following the killing of the RSS worker.

The government has also decided to convene an all-party meeting on 6 August to check political violence.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI, IANS)

Also Read: Kerala CM Shuns Media Ahead of Peace Talks Between BJP-RSS & CPM

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