CPI(M) condemns U.S.-Israel attack on Iran

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu has demanded that the TDP and the JSP, who are partners of the NDA, and the YSRCP condemn the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Raghavulu, along with party State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao, condemned the attack on Iran. He accused the TDP of failing to exert pressure on the Centre and the YSRCP of remaining silent on the issue.

The attack on Iran took place soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the Israeli leadership, he said, and questioned whether the Prime Minister had prior knowledge of the strike.

“Why the Centre, which claims to have a robust Intelligence system, failed to anticipate the attack,” he said, and demanded clarification on whether the Prime Minister met the Israeli leadership with prior knowledge of the impending action.

Mr. Raghavulu said Iran had consistently been a friendly nation to India and termed it unjust that India reacted only to the reported destruction of a US airbase in the UAE, while remaining silent on the killing of Iran’s leadership.

He warned that the attack could adversely affect the global economy, particularly India’s, and called upon all countries to demand an immediate halt to hostilities.

The CPI(M) leader stated that the strike disrupted ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran, which were believed to be progressing positively. He alleged that attacks on schools leading to the deaths of students were undemocratic and inhuman.

Referring to statements by the U.S. President, he claimed that the justification of a preemptive strike was false, pointing out that even reports from the Pentagon suggested Iran had no such aggressive intent.

He accused the Prime Minister of aligning with the aggressor nations instead of standing by a friendly country, thereby undermining India’s global standing.

Mr. Raghavulu announced that the CPI(M) would organise a protest march and public meeting in Delhi on March 24 against anti-people policies of the Union government. He demanded the withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Nuclear Liability Bill. He also opposed the proposed Seed Bill, alleging it favoured foreign seed companies, and criticised the reported imposition of an 18% tax by the US. Nationwide protests would culminate in the March 24 demonstration in Delhi, he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao condemned the arrest of thousands of Anganwadi workers who were protesting for wage hike and resolution of long-pending issues. He alleged that women were forcibly detained while they were asleep and transported in police vehicles across the State, terming the action undemocratic.