The AKG Bhawan became a battleground as stones flew in all directions. Window panes of the building were shattered and cars parked outside were damaged, among them those of CPM general secretary Prakash Karat and politburo member Sitaram Yechury.

Karat condemned the attack. “RSS members came to demonstrate yesterday as well but they were stopped by the police at Pandit Pant Marg. Despite informing the police about the situation, there were only two officers stationed here in the morning. Everyone knows that the BJP and the CPM have a number of political differences but it is highly condemnable that they should resort to such violence,” he said.

He said that known BJP and RSS leaders led the protest and that the CPM had mentioned their names in the FIRs — the party has accused Delhi Opposition leader Jagdish Mukhi and Mayor Aarti Mehra of leading the attack.

“There is a problem in Kerala and it’s not new. Four of our members were murdered by the RSS but we did not retaliate with violence,” Karat said, adding there was no justification for this “premeditated attack”. “We will be asking other parties to condemn this action and many have already come forward to our support. Public opinion will definitely be against the BJP.”

Meanwhile, the RSS said the CPM should not expect it to take the violence “lying down” and the BJP youth wing has called for a nationwide protest on Monday. The BJP said it would raise the matter in Parliament.

... contd.