Coimbatore, March 22 (NationPress) R. Mutharasan, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI), vehemently rejected claims on Sunday suggesting that his party had lowered its seat demands for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections due to pressure from its ally, the DMK.

In a press briefing held in Coimbatore, Mutharasan, who previously served as the CPI's state secretary, reaffirmed that the alliance remains strong and is directed by ideological coherence rather than coercive influences.

Countering rumors of rifts within the DMK-led coalition, Mutharasan emphasized that the CPI would stand firm against any external pressures concerning seat allocation.

"The DMK is not akin to the BJP, which employs pressure tactics, and the CPI is certainly not comparable to the AIADMK, which might yield to such tactics," he stated, highlighting the party's autonomous political position.

He pointed out that the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu has thrived for over a decade because it is anchored in shared ideological beliefs rather than fleeting electoral strategies. Mutharasan stated that the dialogue regarding seat distribution has not led to any discord within the alliance, as all parties remain dedicated to broader political goals.

"Seat allocation is not a concern for us. The real focus is on identifying the genuine threats," Mutharasan remarked, indicating that the alliance prioritizes combating ideological adversaries over negotiating for constituencies.

He reiterated that the CPI is unconcerned with whether it competes for more or fewer seats, provided that the overarching aim of protecting secular values is fulfilled.

Mutharasan also expressed alarm regarding the increasing sway of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), warning that its growth presents a significant challenge not just for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation. He asserted that certain elements within the state are facilitating this expansion, which necessitates unity among like-minded parties.

In a critique of the BJP-led central government, Mutharasan accused it of favoring states governed by the BJP while disregarding Tamil Nadu. He contended that such biased approaches undermine the essence of federalism and national cohesiveness.

Looking ahead to the elections with optimism, Mutharasan expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance is well-prepared for a strong performance. He believes that candidates from the alliance will win in all ten Assembly constituencies within Coimbatore, reflecting what he described as substantial grassroots support for the coalition.