The CPI(M) on Wednesday, 12 March, condemned the "provocative" remarks made by several BJP leaders and ministers ahead of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers during Ramzan.
In a statement issued after a meeting of the Politburo held on 11–12 March, the party said it condemns the remarks made by BJP ministers and MLAs in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
"The chief minister of UP, , has also taunted and threatened Muslims on this issue instead of assuring that law and order will be maintained. Such remarks are intended to create tensions and intimidate the Muslim community," the CPI(M) said.
The party urged the Centre to take special steps to see that Holi is observed peacefully and communities do not fall prey to .
One of the instances to which the CPI(M) took exception was BJP leader 's suggestion that Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulins if they want to avoid being sprinkled with colours when they step out for prayers on Holi on Friday.
Earlier, a police officer in kicked up a row by saying that those who feel uncomfortable with Holi colours should stay indoors, as the festival comes only once a year, whereas takes place 52 times a year.
The party also gave its remarks on delimitation and southern states' concerns of losing out to more populous northern states, calling for a consensus on the matter.
"If delimitation is conducted based on the latest population figures, it would result in a reduction in the political representation for the southern states in Parliament," the CPI(M) said.
"Such a reduction will be politically and democratically unjust and vitiate the federal principle," it said.
The delimitation process of parliamentary and legislative assembly constituencies will take place after 2026 following the Census.
The Left party also said the Union government must take a stand on the tariffs being imposed by the US.
"President is threatening to increase tariffs on Indian goods exported to the United States and has declared that reciprocal tariffs will be imposed from April 2. The Modi government has been keeping silent on the issue and seeking to at the expense of the country's interests," it said.
"The Politburo demands that the Indian government take a firm stand in the interests of Indian industry and take suitable retaliatory action," it added.
The Politburo also discussed the Draft Report on Organisation for the 24th Party Congress. The draft is to be presented before the Central Committee meeting on 22–23 March for its approval and finalisation.
