‘Democracy will be destroyed if communal forces win’

Canvassing for P R Natarajan, the CPM candidate for Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, Raja said, “This is a crucial election. There is a fear among everyone as to whether democracy will be preserved or destroyed. Even though the BJP is a political party, it is being controlled by the RSS.”

Pointing out that there was no safety for women in India, Raja said, “If a person raises a question against the Prime Minister, then he or she is branded as an anti-national and Naxalite. This has become a government for the corporates, even as the Indian economy lies in shambles.”

The CPI leader also alleged that small-scale industries have been affected severely in Coimbatore, Tirupur and other parts of the country. “Both the state and central governments should be removed. The AIADMK government has been favouring Sterlite and methane projects, which were opposed by former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The AIADMK leaders have become a slave to Narendra Modi just to be in power,” he said, adding that the AIADMK will be defeated in the by-elections, thereby bringing an end to the state government.

Later, addressing newspersons, Raja said there was a strong anti-wave against Modi across India. “The anger of the people has been reflected in the first phase of elections. The BJP is seeking votes by raising issues on national security. They are not able to ask votes by listing the achievements of the government,” he said.