CPM releases manifesto, urges people to defeat BJP alliance in Lok Sabha elections

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls-2019, urging people to defeat the BJP alliance so that “an alternative secular government can be formed at the Centre.”

“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,” said CPM.

Releasing the manifesto, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury blamed the Modi government for attacking institutions and weakening the democracy.

Terming five years of Modi rule as an “unmitigated disaster for the country and the people”, Yechury urged the people to strengthen the Left in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Underlining the coming election as “the most crucial in the history of independent India” CPM said, “future of the secular democratic republic is at stake under Modi government.”

“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,” reads the manifesto, released by the CPM.

“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,” it noted.

Despite Modi wave, CPM bagged nine seats with 1.72% of the vote share in 2014 polls.  Analysts believe that CPM’s tally may increase in 2019 election as the Modi government is facing serious anti-incumbency.