Kochi: It will be a "tough fight" between the
Left Front and the Trinamool Congress in this month`s assembly
polls in West Bengal while in Kerala the CPI(M)-led Left
Democratic Front (LDF) had an "edge" over the Congress-led
United Democratic Front (UDF), CPI General Secretary A B
Bardhan on Friday said.
"In West Bengal the fight is tougher. In Kerala we have an
edge" Bardhan told reporters at a meet-the-press programme
organised by Ernakulam Press club here.
In Kerala, the fight was no doubt keen, but LDF had an
edge and the Left front would win a majority, he said, adding
"the so called Kerala pattern of alternating LDF and UDF
governments would not happen this time following the Left
Front`s good performance".
"What is noticeable this time is use of money power by the
Congress. Already a Congressman has revealed that money has
been paid for seats. It should not be taken lightly.
It is not the observation of a man denied seat. What generally
happens in Uttar Pradesh and other states where money is paid
for selection of candidates has happened here. This was never
so in Kerala which is a politically conscious state", he said.
"Congress` greed for money seems to be growing in
proportion to the losses it has suffered in election. The role
of money power is unfortunate and needs to be curbed", he
said.
Praising the LDF government for ensuring food security to
the vulnerable sections of the society and supplying rice at
Rs 2 per kg to BPL and APL families, Bardhan said he was
however "amazed" at the Supreme Court`s decision to stay the
decision of the government to extend the scheme to APL
families also.
Bardhan said the apex court had some time ago observed that
foodgrains should be distributed free to the poor instead of
allowing it to rot in godowns.
"The Supreme court which holds such views have not taken
kindly to the decision of LDF to extend it. The decision was
taken before the model code of conduct came into force. If the
LDF gets another term, it would be implemented", he said.
Asked about the alleged incident of CPI minister C
Divakaran slapping a voter in Kollam and a CPI(M) MLA, P
Jayarajan, manhandling a TV journalist in Kannur, Bardhan said
the Kollam incident was "a figment of imagination" of a
section of the media.
The candidate was not involved in the the incident. "It is a
non-existent crime", he said when pointed that the police had
registered a case.
Regarding Kannur incident, he said "too much is being read
into the incident. This is a non-issue", he said.
PTI
