Left brushes aside RSS criticism

The Left today dismissed the RSS attack against them as the ‘‘usual anti-Communist ritual’’ indulged in by ‘‘communalists’’.

‘‘There is nothing new in what they are saying. Ever since the Sangh was founded, they have been targeting the Communists. They have three targets—Muslims, Christians and the Communists,’’ said CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury.

Party national secretary D. Raja said that RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan’s Vijayadashmi address in Nagpur was an outburst at the Communist parties supporting a secular government. He denied the Left was ‘‘back-seat driving’’. ‘‘We are only supporting a coalition at the Centre which is normal in a democracy.” On criticism of the West Bengal government , Raja said he should ask the people why they have repeatedly voted for the Left.