CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu called upon the people and Left parties to prepare for struggles and mass movements against what he described as the dangerous political developments taking place in the country under the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was speaking at a meeting on “current political developments’ in Vijayawada on May 30.

Raghavulu alleged that the United States, in collaboration with Israel, launched aggression against Iran, leading to global repercussions, including rising prices of oil, gas, and fertilizers. He said the US, attempting to overcome its economic and political crises through military interventions, has failed to achieve success. Criticising the Modi government, he claimed that India had abandoned its long-standing friendship with Iran and aligned itself with US interests, adversely impacting the country’s economy. Despite this, he said, Iran continues to uphold friendly relations with India.

He criticised the government for advising the poor to practise austerity while remaining silent about what he termed the extravagant spending of corporate giants such as Adani and Ambani. Referring to the recent tensions involving Iran and the United States, he alleged that the US suffered a setback and was eventually compelled to seek China’s mediation. He further claimed that Iran launched retaliatory attacks after the US continued military operations despite peace negotiations.

Raghavulu stated that American economic and political influence is declining and that interest in socialism is increasing among young people in the United States. He argued that the US-led trade policies and trade wars have also failed to achieve their objectives.

He warned that the repercussions of the conflict involving Iran could affect not only India but several East Asian countries as well. Referring to trade negotiations between India and the United States scheduled from June 1 to 4, he said that any agreement allowing large-scale imports of agricultural products, including poultry products, could seriously threaten Indian agriculture and allied sectors. Such developments, he warned, could adversely impact domestic production and employment opportunities.

Raghavulu observed that growing dissatisfaction among the youth was becoming increasingly evident across the country. He said the emergence and popularity of new political formations reflected this discontent and alleged that the government was attempting to suppress dissent by restricting their social media presence. At such a critical juncture, he said, Left parties have the responsibility of channelising public anger and youth discontent into democratic movements aimed at protecting the country’s interests.

He noted that the BJP had formed governments in three of the five states that recently went to elections. While the CPI(M) maintained its vote share in West Bengal, he said the party suffered a major setback in Kerala. He described the Kerala result as a concern for Left forces at a time when a strong nationwide opposition to BJP policies is necessary.

Raghavulu also criticised the Congress, alleging that it had failed to effectively challenge the BJP despite what he described as the latter’s vindictive politics. Nevertheless, he affirmed that Left parties would continue their struggle against the anti-people policies of the central government.

TDP and YCP Engaged in ‘Modi-Worship’: Srinivasa Rao

CPI(M) state secretary V Srinivasa Rao alleged that while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YCP) criticise each other within Andhra Pradesh, both remain submissive towards the BJP-led central government. He claimed that despite the exploitation of natural resources and mounting economic challenges facing the state, neither party questions the Centre’s policies.

Srinivasa Rao said that although the TDP had traditionally been viewed as a secular party, its recent conduct during the party’s Mahanadu convention reflected a growing proximity to the RSS. He warned that such a shift could prove harmful both to the party and to the people of the state. According to him, the Mahanadu event focused more on self-praise and criticism of opponents than on addressing public concerns.

He further alleged that both the TDP and the YCP had supported forces promoting religious polarisation in Kadapa and had adopted similar positions on the Akiveedu Dalit temple issue. Questioning the implications of such developments, he expressed concern about the protection of Dalits and minorities.

Srinivasa Rao also criticised the state’s ‘P4’ initiative, alleging that it was being used to mislead poor people rather than address their real problems.

The meeting was presided over by CPI(M) State Committee member Donepudi Kashinath. CPI(M) State Secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao, State Committee member K Sridevi, and Vijayawada city leader Satyababu attended the programme. Bhupati Ramana invited the speakers to the dais. Earlier, artists of Praja Natya Mandali presented revolutionary songs.