The BJP-led Union Government cannot solve the problems in Kashmir by using Central forces. It needs a political solution, says CPM Politburo member Prakash Karat. “The government cannot find a solution through CRPF, BSF or any other agencies in the trouble-torn Kashmir,” Karat told mediapersons here today.

Amendment to the policy or any issue related to Kashmir should be discussed, as suggested by some political leaders. The Government had to reach an agreement politically, he added.

Told that the Centre was blaming Left parties, particularly the CPM for criticising the role of the Army there, he said his party was against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which has draconian provisions. It was not just in Kashmir but also across North Eastern States, he said.

With regard to comments by Kerala party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Karat, here to attend two-day party state committee, said he had not made any comments about the Army, but quoted some incidents involving some members of the armed forces.

On GST, coming into force in July, Karat said his party wanted a review of listing of commodities in various slabs, as some sectors, especially small businesses and manufactureres, would be affected severely. The government should have wide range consultations with organisations, associations and trader bodies before arriving at a final rate.

About State politics, he said it was unfortunate that the present State Government, with the official faction of the AIADMK, was now moving politically towards the BJP. A tieup with that party
would damage the interests of the State and its people.

“This understanding or tieup will have political consequences, since former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa never moved towards BJP,” he said.

“We are against this tieup, as this will provide the BJP opportunity to expand its brand, communal politics, as it did in many other States,” Karat said.

The BJP has not conceded many of the Edapady Palanisamy Government’s demands, be it drought relief, farmers and education sector issues, allocation for for which came to the tune of Rs17,000 crore, he pointed out.