New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal for austerity measures, saying the statement exposed the “fragile reality” of the Indian economy and rising public distress.
Addressing the media after the CPI(M) Polit Bureau meeting in Delhi on May 10 and 11, party General Secretary M. A. Baby reviewed Assembly election results, labour unrest, foreign policy issues and the rise of “Hindutva-communal forces”.
The CPI(M) admitted the Left Democratic Front suffered a “serious setback” in Kerala after ten years in power. The party also expressed concern over the BJP winning three seats in the state for the first time. Baby called the BJP’s entry a “grave threat” to Kerala’s secular and democratic fabric and accused the Congress of helping the saffron party through “baseless campaigns” against the CPI(M).
The Polit Bureau also raised concerns over BJP victories in West Bengal and Assam, alleging the party relied on “communal polarisation, hate campaigns, misuse of central agencies and massive money power.”
The strongest criticism focused on Modi’s appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport, work from home, “use less cooking oil” and avoid non-essential foreign travel “for a year” amid the West Asia crisis.
Calling the remarks “deeply ironic,” Baby said the government was shifting economic pressure onto ordinary citizens while failing to protect India’s strategic interests abroad.
“The Prime Minister’s statement itself proves that all is not well with the economy,” Baby said.
The CPI(M) also criticised the government over the rollout of new Labour Codes, describing the move as “anti-working class.” The party accused governments of ignoring worker protests demanding better wages and humane working conditions. It also alleged police action against workers in Uttar Pradesh and demanded withdrawal of cases against protesters.
On foreign policy, the Polit Bureau criticised fresh US actions against Cuba and accused the BJP-led government of adopting a “subservient” approach towards Western powers. The party warned that India’s position within BRICS and the Global South was weakening.
The CPI(M) Central Committee will meet in Delhi from May 22 to 24 for a detailed review of the political situation.
By Abdul Bari Masoud
 criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity appeal, raised concerns over the economy, Labour Codes, foreign policy and the rise of communal politics.){kind=link}