CPM flays Advani8217;s charge

The CPIM was reacting to statements made by the Home Minister in Bangalore yesterday questioning the stand of the Communists towards the 1942 movement and to the Indo-China conflict in 1962.

At a public function in Bangalore Advani alleged that the Communists had 8220;always played a dubious role8221; since Independence and went so far as to accuse the Communists of 8220;dividing the nation in 19478221;.

What has irked the CPIM was Advani8217;s accusation that the then undivided CPI has collaborated with the British during the freedom struggle and had supported theChinese aggression against India in 1962.

Wanting to set the record straight, the CPIM said during the independence movement and later during the 1962 Indo-China conflict, the Communists were the first to raise the issue of complete independence in 1922 and had made tremendous sacrifices for that cause. Now the BJP was trying to 8220;tarnish the image of the Communist party which has produced martyrs and cadres who dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom.8221;