CPM one-ups Congress post Bilkis Bano verdict

WITH the Supreme Court verdict quashing the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission to the accused in the Bilkis Bano case, CPM has once again scored a point over arch-rival Congress.

- K's SREEJITH

Since senior CPM leader and All India Democratic Women’s Association national vice-president Subhashini Ali was one of the petitioners, CPM is now seeing an opportunity to declare its credentials in protecting minorities’ rights.

The CPM stance is an extension of its position during the 2016 assembly elections, which saw a major chunk of Muslim votes moving to the Left fold. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan making direct contact with community proved effective in the 2021 assembly elections.