The former union minister conveyed his wishes and anguish to the key CPI(M) politburo member as they met at the airport lounge here waiting for their flights.
While Ramesh was on his way to Mumbai, Vijayan was returning to Kerala after attending the meeting of the CPI (M) politburo and leading a protest by Left Party MPs in the Kerala House against the raid by Delhi police on a complaint that beef (cow meat) was being served in its canteen.
He said Vijayan told him that BJP is not a force in Kerala's political landscape dominated by both Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF.
"I told him that we need a strong Left in India and its in West Bengal is alarming. Although we (Congress) are fighting Left in three states (Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura), I said, India needs a vibrant Left," Ramesh said.
The Congress leader said he told Vijayan that "for us nationally BJP is the biggest political enemy and not the Left".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
