D Raja seeks full statehood for J&K, Delhi and Puducherry

He added that the CPI has formulated a strategy for the upcoming elections in various states. “To defeat the BJP in these elections, leftist and progressive forces will be strengthened, paving the way for the BJP’s removal from power,” he said.

He said that the BJP is misusing its authority to undermine the electoral process and called on the Election Commission to clarify the situation. Raja also criticised the BJP for “attempting to divide people along religious lines” and for “making decisions that favour corporate interests.” He added, “As a result, unemployment and inflation are rising sharply across the country, and economic inequality is deepening. The CPI will launch a campaign to hold the central government accountable on these issues.”

Reiterating their demand, Punjab CPI secretary Bant Brar and senior leader Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal said that Chandigarh was established by displacing villages of Punjab and should be handed over to the state. They also called for the implementation of Punjabi as the official language in Chandigarh.

The leaders slammed the AAP in Punjab for failing to fulfil its pre-election promises, including restoration of old pension scheme and the waiver of farmers’ loans.