BJP-RSS activists attack CPI(M) HQ

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Sunday condemned the “unprecedented” and “premeditated” attack on the party’s national headquarters here by activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and demanded the immediate arrest of those behind the incident.

Five Central Committee members of the party — Hari Singh Kang, Jogendra Sharma, P.M.S. Grewal, V. Srinivasa Rao and Kumar Shiralkar — and some party workers were injured when BJP-RSS activists pelted stones at the A.K. Gopalan Bhawan here on Sunday. The incident evoked strong reactions from all political parties; they have demanded strong action against the culprits.

The incident took place in the afternoon when a meeting of the CPI(M)’s highest policy-making body — the Central Committee — was being held at the office. Panic gripped the entire Gole Market area where the building is situated. However, before more police personnel reached the spot, the attackers fled, leaving behind shattered window panes of the building and damaged cars parked on the premises.

Later, the police registered an FIR against senior BJP leaders, including its Delhi unit chief Harshvardhan, Mayor Aarti Mehra, and Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Jagdish Mukhi, and arrested 15 BJP leaders.

Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat were among the prominent leaders who vehemently criticised the attack. Parties, including the constituents of the Left Front, the Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Samajwadi Party demanded severe action against the culprits.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Karat said it was the first time that the headquarters of a prominent national political party was attacked in such a brutal manner. “It was a premeditated attack by the BJP and RSS workers who are now frustrated because of our growing popularity and acceptance of our good work. We are shocked to see how a premeditated attack was carried out at our headquarters when our Central Committee meeting was on,” he said.