Kerala CPI(M) secretary Govindan's 'emergency-era alliance' remark triggers fresh row ahead of Nilambur bypoll

Thiruvananthapuram: A statement by CPI(M) Kerala secretary M V Govindan that there was understanding between the Left party and the RSS during the time of emergency has come as a shot in the arm for the Congress on the eve of the crucial Nilambur assembly bypoll.

While Congress stated that it was CPI(M)'s bid to get the support of BJP-RSS in the bypoll that is to be held on Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a damage control move by listing earlier instances of Congress leaders palling with BJP-RSS.

Govindan said in an interview to a media that there was an understanding between the CPI(M) and the RSS to fight against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after emergency was imposed in the country.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that Govindan made the statement deliberately to get the support of BJP-RSS in the Nilambur poll. "Govindan's statement was like an ex-lover reminding the other side that they were lovers earlier and thereby trying to get the their support now," said Satheesan.

He also alleged that it was not only during emergency but on many other occasions there were understandings between the CPI(M) and RSS to defeat Congress leaders in elections. In 1989 CPI(M) joined hands with the BJP to defeat former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he alleged.

With the CPI also flaying the untimely statement of CPI(M) leader Govindan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came to the defense. He said that CPI(M) never compromised with the RSS.

"As many as 215 CPI(M) comrades were killed by RSS. The Congress never flayed those killings. Congress also made electoral understandings with the BJP on many occasions," Vijayan said.