By Subba Rao

Copyright thehindu

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting ‘divisive and majoritarian’ policies.

Addressing the media on Thursday, he said that India could progress only if such leaders were held accountable.

Criticising the Andhra Pradesh government, the CPI(M) leader alleged that the TDP’s close alignment with the BJP threatens the State’s autonomy.

He sought to know HRD Minister Lokesh’s statements supporting the BJP, asking whether the State’s priorities should be dictated by the Centre. The regional parties collaborating with the BJP in the past have suffered politically, he said and warned that TDP’s proximity to the BJP could undermine its own identity.

Referring to the tariff imposed on Indian exports by the Trump administration, the CPI(M) leader highlighted its impact on aquaculture and dryland farmers, asserting that the Central government has failed to protect State’s interests.

Mr. Raghavulu expressed concerns over the RushiKonda buildings in Visakhapatnam, describing them as heritage structures that should be converted into science, art, and heritage museums rather than resorts or marriage halls. He urged that development projects, including botanical gardens and zoological facilities in Amaravati and Rayalaseema, focus on public utility and youth engagement in science and technology.

On land issues, CPI(M) leader condemned forced land consolidation, stating that profit-driven government schemes were exploiting farmers’ lands. They stressed that land acquisition must occur with the farmers’ consent for development purposes, and in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, ensuring proper compensation.

CPIM State secretariat member V. Rambhopal was present.

The CPI(M) leaders paid rich tributes to party’s former general secretary Sitaram Yechury on his first death anniversary.