CPM trolled online for seeking appeal in 2G spectrum verdict

The CPM’s Politburo released a statement that the judgment of the CBI special court on the 2G spectrum case raises more questions than answers. It was well-established that the allocation of 2G spectrum had caused a big loss calculated to be Rs 1,76,000 crore by the CAG. “Since the CBI case and prosecution have proved inadequate, steps must be taken immediately to pursue the matter legally, so that those who are guilty are punished,” read the statement. Subsequently, the state unit of CPM also echoed the same view. Going by the RK Nagar bypoll scenario, even the CPM took a separate stand and decided not to participate in the public meetings supporting the DMK. 

One of the Facebook posts said, “Even I thought that the CPM will forge alliance with the DMK and get four to five seats. But, on seeing the statement issued by the CPM, my unnecessary fear has been removed from my heart. Let the Assembly continue without interruption.” 

Another post stated that the CPM supported ‘Emergency’ (1975 to 1977), but the same party apologised for it after 40 years. “So, in this case too, the CPM will apologise in 2037,” read a post.

Speaking to DT Next, G Ramakrishnan, state secretary of CPM, defended the party stand saying since the scam is a big one, the party wanted ‘appeal’ in the apex court. “Even top officials of CBI are reluctant with the verdict pronounced by special judge OP Saini. So, we are seeking re-investigation and those who involved in the scam should be punished,” he said. When asked about the stand of the DMK’s other allies, including CPI, MDMK and VCK, which celebrated the verdict, Ramakirishnan replied “Every political party has the right to express its opinions and in that sense, the CPM politburo and state unit have expressed our views.”

To a question on alliance with the DMK in the bypoll, he said that alliance in the elections and this issue (2G verdict) are different. “What is true for CPM may not be true for other allies,” he quipped. Meanwhile, political critics say that the CPM at present is in a state of confusion. Ravindran Duraisamy, a political observer said, “Wanting an appeal on the 2G verdict is a clear indication that the party does not have faith in the Special CBI Court’s judgment and it also shows CPM’s double standard.”