CPI(M) MP John Brittas accuses Rahul Gandhi of undermining INDIA bloc over BJP allegations

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, attending the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, said the Congress party’s senior leaders have repeatedly alleged that the Left had a secret understanding with the BJP during the Kerala Assembly elections. He warned, "We have serious reservations concerning the approach, attitude and conduct of the Congress party… If that is the charge and approach of the Congress, then what is the whole purpose of us sitting together?" Brittas emphasized that the CPI(M) does not need validation from Congress to oppose the BJP.

The criticism follows a letter from CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking an explanation for remarks made by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Kharge themselves that suggested a deal between the CPI(M) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP. The dispute emerges as senior opposition leaders prepare for the scheduled meeting of the INDIA alliance.