Bhagvadgita leaves left leaders red faced

Hyderabad, Dec 20 (INN): An uneasy calm prevails in the CPI and CPM offices across the nation. It is perhaps even more visible in Hyderabad as it is assuming alarming proportions in their respective offices in the State capital.

Ever since the Russian government, bowing down to the Orthodox Christian Church, proposed to ban Bhagvad Gita, there has been an expected coming together of almost all political parties.

The pandemonium in both Houses of Parliament on Monday was precisely what the Communist parties feared. The apprehension stems from the fact that there could be a unique apolitical polarization and also newer political equations as a fall-out of Moscow's `bolt from the blue.'

The acrimonious manner members of the Parliament wanted the Union Government to lodge a strong protest in order to `protect the religious rights' of Hindus is reason enough for the Communist to expect being victims of possible `nationwide protests, condemning the Communists in no uncertain terms.'

Whether the Russian-brand of Communism is being pursued by their comrades from India is beside the point. Russian strongman Vladimir Putin's popularity has nose-dived to the lowest depths.

But the ideologies put them in the same category and that could come in for sharp criticism, particularly after the Siberian Court delivers its verdict one way or the other on December 29.

According to a veteran political observer, even as the central leadership of CPI and CPM come to terms and grapple with the precarious situation, the state headquarters in Hyderabad has to reckon with an even more daunting prospect.

Efforts to establish contact with local leaders was somewhat futile. This gives rise to further speculations of the worrisome and sombre mood of the `shell-shocked' leaders.

A senior leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the sucker-punch has been delivered by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and that precisely around the time Parliamentarians were voicing their condemnations.

The Sangh Parivar's most vocal face has had a change of guard and the mantle of its International President comes to the doorstep of Hyderabad.

With Ashok Singhal taking a break after two-decade tenure, the VHP ship would be steered by Hyderabad-based G Raghav Reddy, who has a four-decade association with the saffron brigade.

Local Communists fear that in his enthusiasm to set a new agenda for the Parishad, Raghav Reddy, in a strident mood to establish himself first and foremost, could touch upon the Gita ban issue straightaway and capitalize on the `golden opportunity, one and for all.'

With Assembly elections to Uttar Pradesh round the corner and its party's image in Karnataka getting maligned, the BJP may actually rally around the new VHP boss for possible `political' gains.

Leaders from other parties in the State also expect that Raghav Reddy's initial target would be the Russian move, which means targeting their brethren from closer home.

They contend that the Russian bombshell has come on a platter, particularly for the Hindutva proponents, who were certain to make optimal use of it, much to the embarrassing discomfort of the Left leaders from Andhra Pradesh.