CPM Leader MA Baby Rejects Congress Allegations of BJP Deal
In a strong rebuttal, CPM general secretary MA Baby has categorically denied allegations from Congress leaders that the CPM and BJP struck a deal for upcoming assembly elections. Speaking in Kottayam, Baby asserted that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's accusations directly contradict the fundamental purpose of the INDI alliance, which was formed specifically to oppose the BJP.
Alliance Unity vs. Congress Contradictions
Baby emphasized that parties within the INDI alliance should avoid competing against each other, as such internal conflicts would only benefit the BJP. He pointed out that while Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are taking positions contrary to this principle, the CPM remains committed to strengthening the alliance. "Rahul Gandhi is again making baseless statements," Baby stated, adding that there are ongoing demands to arrest a chief minister from the INDI alliance based on fabricated allegations.
The CPM leader dismissed the BJP-CPM deal as a "false accusation" and turned the tables by highlighting instances where Congress allegedly helped the BJP grow. "In Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, Congress helped BJP gain ground. Congress also contributed to AAP losing power in Delhi," he noted.
Historical Collaborations in Kerala Politics
Baby provided several examples of BJP-Congress relations in Kerala, recalling the old Co-Le-B alliance. "In 2016, Congress helped BJP open its account in Nemom, and CPM closed it in 2021. In recent local elections, BJP and Congress joined hands to oust CPM in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram corporations," he detailed, suggesting a pattern of collaboration between the two parties.
Defending Pinarayi Vijayan's Leadership
Responding to questions about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's recent phrasing, Baby acknowledged that everyone has their own style. He mentioned that the person who raised the question in a public meeting has clarified the matter. "There is a need for a consistent style of interaction with the people. Sometimes, the style of functioning must change to incorporate criticisms," he explained.
Baby vigorously defended Vijayan, who he said is being unfairly targeted. "He is the CM who protected Kerala during floods and Covid-19. Though communists do not believe in God, his rise to leadership in challenging times shows that God has faith in communists," Baby remarked, quoting the late Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrysostom.
Highlighting Kerala's Health Sector Achievements
Baby called for a discussion on what the LDF government has achieved over the past decade, particularly emphasizing improvements in the health sector. He acknowledged that errors in healthcare are a global phenomenon but argued that issues in Kerala are minimal compared to other regions, as health experts have noted.
"Those in the sector must operate flawlessly. Mistakes should not occur in any manner," he insisted. Baby highlighted significant advancements, noting that government hospitals have improved dramatically. "Organ transplants can now be performed, and cardiac treatment is available in rural areas, saving many lives," he added, underscoring the tangible benefits for Kerala's residents.
