CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on April 12

THE communal violence during processions on the occasion of Ram Navami in several states in India – Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand etc − are a matter of deep concern. Reports indicate that there is a pattern in the areas where these incidents have occurred with aggressive armed processions using the occasion to shout the most provocative slogans while passing through minority inhabited colonies leading to altercations followed by stone pelting. In the first such incident which occurred in Khargone, it is no coincidence that BJP leader Kapil Mishra the serial offender of hate toxic speeches such as those he had made prior to the communal violence in the capital, was present in the area. There have been highly objectionable incidents such as in Bihar where a saffron flag has been planted on a mosque in the presence of the police. In Delhi on the JNU campus, the Sangh Parivar affiliated ABVP in the name of Ram Navami attacked mess workers in a hostel canteen to prevent them from serving non-vegetarian food and then attacked students who came to their rescue.

The role of administrations in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar are highly suspect as they gave permission for such processions to pass through minority areas without adequate preparations.  In addition, in Madhya Pradesh without the due process of law, property of those accused of being “rioters” almost all of them from the minority community have been demolished. This is nothing but bulldozing the law and the constitution of India. The deafening silence of the prime minister even though such incidents have occurred in seven states adds to the concern that these events have the patronage of those in power.

The CPI(M) condemns the use of religious festivals to promote communal politics by the RSS Sangh Parivar. It appeals to all sections of people to maintain peace and foil the objective of those who wish to divide people in the name of religion. It calls on its units to work for maintaining peace and harmony through appropriate activities.