CPI(M) asks Centre to clarify its stance on talks with Pakistan

Sitaram-Yechury-pic CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury | Sanjay Ahlawat

With a new government coming to power in Pakistan, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has asked the Modi government to clear it's stance on holding talks with the neighbouring country. PM designate Imran Khan had said both the countries need to sit at a table for peace talks.

In its politburo meeting held in New Delhi, the Left party also asked the government not to deny citizenship to any Indian under the National Register of Citizens (NRC) registration. It hit out at BJP chief Amit Shah for terming the 40 lakh people, whose names did not appear in the NRC list, as illegal migrants.

"BJP is out to polarise the society for electoral gains. Amit Shah's statement is misleading....On the other hand, the TMC is indulging in sub-nationalism in West Bengal," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said at a press conference.

"We also discussed that electoral reforms need to be done before next elections. We demand that the electoral bonds be done away with as it legalises corruption," Yechury added.

The party lent its support to the August 9 and September 5 Bharat bandh calls given by dailts, trade unions and farmers against the policies of the government.

Claiming that crony capitalism has increased under the present regime, Yechury sought to know how absconding diamond businessman Mehul Choksi's application for Antigua citizenship was processed.

The government has to answer how clean chit was given to him despite cases and affidavit against him, he said.

The Politburo also demanded that the proposed higher education body, aimed at replacing UGC, be dropped. The party also sought withdrawal of National Medical Commission Bill, presented in Lok Sabha this week.

Pointing out that innocent citizens were being targeted by lynch mobs, Yechury said a new bill on mob lynching should be brought in.

He further said the attacks on media and attempts of intimidation of media persons happening now

are even worse than during the Emergency.

Yechury informed that CPI(M) will hold meetings next month to decide on alliances and seat sharing with parties for upcoming state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The meeting was marred by an attempt by an intruder to allegedly stab the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The party demanded a probe into the incident saying how could this happen despite the heavy security.

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