CPI national secretary D. Raja is a Rajya Sabha member hailing from a humble background in a rural hamlet near Gudiyaatham in Vellore district. A dedicated Communist since his teenage years, Mr Raja has emerged as one of the frontline leaders of the party. He spoke to The Asian Age about his party’s determination to retain power in Kerala and West Bengal.
How important is the election to five state Assemblies for your party?
It's a crucial election for our party. Since we are in power in West Bengal and Kerala, it is a fight to retain power there. In TN and Puducherry, we have to fight to prove the point that we are a force to reckon with.
What would be your campaign strategy?
Since the DMK and Congress are being accused of corruption, certainly corruption will be main issue in Tamil Nadu politics. The unprecedented rise of price is another major issue. The UPA government, in which the DMK is a major alliance partner, had let down Sri Lankan Tamils in their hour of crisis. Instead of lending a helping hand to the Tamils, they had colluded with Rajapakse regime in the genocidal war. The Congress and DMK had not only betrayed the interests of Sri Lankan Tamils but also fishermen of Tamil Nadu. They are going to pay a heavy price for it. The DMK's grip over media and their domination in socio-political spheres is another area of concern.The DMK and Congress forged ties again and succeeding in bringing new forces in the alliance. That will not work. The AIADMK-led alliance is a formidable one and it will emerge victorious in the April 13 polls. The DMK and Congress are politically weak and morally down.
How do you rate the five-year DMK rule?
The natural resources like sand and granite quarries are being looted in a large scale. Law and order situation is deteriorating. The easy access and free-flow of liquor in Tamil Nadu has become a major concern since it increasingly spoils the young generation. There is no progress in agricultural sector. The DMK may say it had offered Re 1 a kg rice, but it failed to check price rise. With better coordination and cordial relationship with the Centre, the DMK government could have done a lot more.