Speaking at a press conference in Vizag on the 29th of April 2014, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat lashed out at Narendra Modi. She said that a person aspiring to be the next Prime Minister of India should at least possess some basic knowledge of the country's history. Modi's speeches have consistently showed that he lacked any basic knowledge of Indian history. Most recently, he has displayed his ignorance on the history of the Kashmir problem. He speaks of Article 370, but ignores that it is a foundational feature of constitution, which is non-negotiable. Modi should also remember that it was during Sheikh Abdullah's tenure that Kashmir acceded to India.
On the recent war of words between Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi in West Bengal, Brinda said that it was more a Noora Kushti (shadow boxing). Both the TMC and BJP want an alliance with each other and are waiting for the appropriate time to make it a reality. For the time being, both are waging a fake confrontation. Mamata was a part of the NDA government when the Gujarat riots happened. After the Gujarat elections of 2002, which Modi won, Mamata expressed her support to Modi. She also returned to the NDA government. Will Mamata apologise to the people of West Bengal and India for compromising with the communal forces for the sake of a few ministerial portfolios? In the Parliament in 2001, she asked her MPs to vote against the censure motion moved by the Left parties and others against Modi. Thus, she helped him continue in office. If the motion was passed in 2001, the situation would have been completely different today. Mamata is responsible for this situation. Will she apologise for saving Modi in 2001?
Earlier, Brinda addressed a large gathering of workers at the gate of the Vizag Steel Plant and campaigned for the CPI(M) candidate from the Vishakapatanam Assembly constituency, Narasinga Rao.