Communists see red over saffron alliance poll advertisement

A poll campaign advertisement on inflation by opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance has led to angry reaction from Communists, who have flayed the 'intellectual bankruptcy' of the saffron alliance.

The reason? The visual accompanying the strong-worded message against inflation, shows a photograph of an agitation led by Communist leaders Ahilya Rangnekar and Tara Reddy.

"This is the height of intellectual bankruptcy. By using photograph of our agitation, the Sena-BJP combine has indirectly conceded that only the Communists can lead such agitations and take up issues like inflation," Maharashtra state secretary of CPI (M) Bhalchandra Kango told PTI.

"Prakash Reddy, CPI Mumbai secretary, has filed a complaint with state chief electoral officer in this regard," Kango said.

"We condemn the misuse of images of Communist agitation by Sena-BJP to further their cause," Kango said.

The advertisement has been published in newspapers by general secretary of state BJP.

"I am very sure that the photo showing Rangnekar and others was not a deliberate move. There have been a couple of programmes where women from various sections of society took part in such agitations," Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said.