Mon May 12 00:14:42 UTC 2025: ## CPI Accuses BJP of Exploiting Religion for Political Gain
**Visakhapatnam, May 12, 2025** – CPI State secretary Muppalla Nageswara Rao has sharply criticized the BJP, accusing the party of using religion as a political tool to secure power. Speaking at the party’s Visakhapatnam district conference on Sunday, Mr. Rao alleged that the BJP’s strategy involves driving a wedge between regional parties and exploiting religious sentiments. He argued that this tactic, while successful in the past, is not guaranteed to work indefinitely.
Mr. Rao pointed to the BJP’s 2014 election victory, attributing it to the perceived corruption of the previous Congress government. He accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its key promises, including doubling farmers’ income, creating jobs, and returning black money. He further criticized the BJP’s focus on privatizing the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
The CPI leader also reflected on the Left’s past experiences in national politics, noting their support for the UPA-1 government and the subsequent fallout over the Indo-US nuclear deal, which led to a failed no-confidence motion. He expressed disappointment at the lack of success in forging a “third alternative” to the BJP and Congress. The conference, attended by 162 delegates, concluded with the hoisting of the party flag by senior CPI leader Palleti Polaiah.
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