CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury with politburo member Brinda Karat during the release of a booklet on Modi government at party headquarters in New Delhi. (PTI)
The CPM report card assessing the Narendra Modi government's two years, summed it up in three Hindi phrases: faaltu bhasan, mehenga ration and Rashtrapati sashan. In other words, worthless speeches, price rise and President's Rule were highlighted as "achievements" of the Modi government.
The CPM's report card, titled Do Saal Janta Behaal, released today, alleges that the Union government's policies have failed to provide any relief to the common man and has only helped corporates.
Replete with cartoons and caricatures, the pamphlet gives a spin to PM Modi's Sab Ka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra. "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is counterpoised with the reality of Rich Ka Saath, Baki Sab Khalaas (With the rich, the rest don't matter),"read its opening section.
"Inequalities have grown and this is reflected in the deteriorating situation for farmers," the pamphlet read. The average figure of farmer suicides, it said, has gone up to 52, compared to earlier 41.
"The government has utterly failed to provide immediate relief to the 300 drought-hit districts... The Prime Minister has not found the time to spend a single day in any of the drought-hit districts."
The booklet also refers to the Centre's attempt to impose President's Rule in Uttarakhand "to dislodge an elected Congress government". It is now "reportedly trying to do the same in Meghalaya," the booklet added.
Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who along with colleague Brinda Karat released the pamphlet, also clarified his party's position on Goods and Services Tax -- a proposed uniform tax.
"We have always said we support the bill, but have some serious reservation. Why doesn't the government call an all-party meeting? I am not sure if the BJP itself want the GST," Mr Yechury added.
The Left leader also focussed on the Prime Minister's trip to the United States, alleging that India is now only serving to counter China. He said his party will demand a debate in Parliament on the Indo-US partnership signed during PM Modi's US trip.