Pongal event attended by Amit Shah religiously divisive: CPI State secretary

CPI State secretary, M. Veerapandian on Tuesday described the recent Pongal celebration organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a “religiously divisive event”.

Addressing reporters in Mayiladuthurai, Mr. Veerapandian said Tamilians had always upheld unity and social harmony and cautioned against the use of cultural symbols to deepen religious divisions. He alleged that Mr. Shah selectively participated in Tamil cultural events for electoral gains, while recalling that the Union Minister had earlier made derogatory remarks about Tamils in Odisha without expressing regret.

On State politics, he said the CPI had the political legitimacy to seek additional seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections. “Seeking more seats does not amount to being anti-alliance, nor are we asking for a share in power,” he said.

Referring to the pension scheme announced by the Tamil Nadu government, he described it as an improvement over the earlier system but called for a comprehensive resolution of pending demands. He urged the government to address issues faced by unorganised workers and suggested including turmeric in the Pongal gift hamper.

Earlier, while speaking at the party’s centenary celebrations and the 101st birth anniversary of veteran leader R. Nallakannu, held near Kittappa Angadi in Mayiladuthurai, Mr.Veerpandian said that while the CPI might have limited numerical representation in legislatures, its ideology had never been defeated.

“For over a century, the CPI has fought to protect India’s public sector, championed the cause of linguistic States, and led struggles for the rights of workers, farmers, students and women,” he said, adding that no Communist leader in the country had been convicted in a corruption case.