BJP vote-share increase in Aruvikkara shows communal forces have gained strength: CPM

CPI (M) said the increase in BJP vote share at Aruvikkara by-election showed that the communal polarisation has gained strength in Kerala under the Congress regime.

CPI (M), in a statement, said the Congress won Aruvikkara by-election with the support of communal forces and money power. The verdict is not a recognization for the Congress, which has got only 39 per cent of polled votes. The Congress has managed to divide the anti-government votes.

It said the party would desist if the UDF government plans to go ahead with its anti-people policies and corruption.

Polit buro member Pinarayi Vijayan said the verdict could not be considered a reflection of the sentiments of Kerala’s people. Chief Minister’s confidence to win the election stemmed from the realization that he could influence the voters through money and other temptations, said Vijayan.