Congress is politically incompetent and ideologically bankrupt, says D. Raja
The Hindu
D. Raja criticizes Congress for political incompetence, asserting the Left Democratic Front's success and commitment to Kerala's welfare.
D. Raja, general secretary of the Communist Party of India, accuses the Congress and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of being short-sighted and asks the party to introspect. Campaigning for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Munnar for the Kerala Assembly election, he spoke to The Hindu. Edited excerpts:
You are talking to the Tamil population in Munnar in Tamil…
I campaigned in Tamil in Thiruvananthapuram and Punalur as well, as the people wanted me to. There is such great affection and the people want to hear about issues relating to their livelihood and the State’s progress rather than baseless allegations.
While the Left in Kerala is seeking continuity, it is under attack for an alleged tacit understanding with the BJP and also with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
These are all baseless allegations. Looking at history, Kerala elected the world’s first Communist government through the ballot in 1957. The people here know very well what the Left movement stands for and what the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) represents. Nobody can undermine the political maturity and ideological understanding of the people of Kerala.
The Left is the most uncompromising force fighting communal and fascist forces, from the majority or the minority. When Mr. Gandhi says “the Left has lost its Left character”, what does he mean? Will he be able to explain?

At Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, flight operations were halted for a few hours as the centuries-old Arattu procession of the Painguni festival crossed the runway en route to Shangumugham Beach. The ritual, linked to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, marks the ceremonial sea bath of the deity, drawing thousands every year and showcasing Kerala’s unique blend of tradition and modern life.












