Communist Party of India (CPI) State unit secretary Pannian Raveendran has criticised Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State unit secretary Pinarayi Vijayan for his statement that the factors which had led to the split in the CPI half-a-century ago still remain in force.
‘‘Not even a single factor exists now. Mr. Pinarayi’s statement does not take into account the transformations in global political scenario over the last five decades,’’ Mr. Raveendran said, responding to a query in this regard. At a time when the concept of communist unity was gaining currency, statements like this would only help hamper the process, he said.
According to him, the CPI was not averse to dialogue on issues in the way of unity but the ultimate aim should be to have a broader platform for communists. ‘‘It is high time that all those who believe in communist ideology join hands and work towards achieving a common objective. This refers to only a principled reunification of the communist movement and not the merger of parties,’’ he said.
On the occasion, he also welcomed the State government’s decision to close down 730 bar hotels but urged it to come up with more clarity with regard to the rehabilitation of those employed in the sector.
‘‘The government should explain how it plans to rehabilitate them and by what time,’’ he said.
Further, he called for the implementation of the recommendations by the Udaya Bhanu Commission and promotion of toddy tapping. ‘‘There are instances in which some of the States were forced to lift the ban on liquor sales. Hence, the ultimate aim should be to make people eschew alcohol and not prohibition,’’ he said.