(Source: ECI/ABP News/ABP Majha)
BJP, Israeli Govt 'Driven By Racial Fanaticism Like Hitler': Kerala CM In CPIM's Kozhikode Rally
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the BJP government for 'diluting' India's foreign policy to support Israel as he emphasised that the Left party stands unequivocally with the people of Palestine
In a massive rally organised by the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala's Kozhikode, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and criticised the BJP-led union government for its alleged pro-Israel stance. "The Left parties will not remain neutral in a conflict between right and wrong and will firmly stand with the people of Palestine," Vijayan asserted, as quoted by news agency PTI. Accusing the BJP and the Israeli government of being "driven by racial fanaticism" similar to Hitler's, Vijayan claimed that the Indian government does not reflect the sentiments of the people.
He criticised the BJP for extending support to the Israeli government while 'refusing' to support Manipur. According to Vijayan, the BJP's cooperation with Israel is a source of pride for the party. He stated, "Those who refused to extend support to our brothers in Manipur did not waste a second to express solidarity with the Israeli government, which is moving forward with genocidal aggression."
Vijayan emphasised that the Left party stands unequivocally with the people of Palestine and clarified that Left politics is not neutral. He criticised the BJP government for 'diluting' India's foreign policy to support Israel. "We are not neutral. The Left politics is not neutral. When there is a fight between the right and the wrong, we cannot stay neutral. We are with Palestine," Vijayan asserted, as quoted by PTI.
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The Chief Minister mentioned the invitation extended to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a major ally of the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), for the rally. Vijayan stated that the IUML was invited after expressing support for the cause. However, the IUML later decided not to participate, citing technical reasons as a part of the UDF. The invite led to allegations from the Congress that the Left party was attempting to destabilise the Opposition bloc.
The backdrop of these statements is the recent conflict in Israel and Gaza, where approximately 1,200 people in Israel were killed following Hamas' surprise attack on October 7. Israel responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 11,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, with a majority being Palestinian civilians.