‘Need to keep Delhi safe from double-engine disaster’: Brinda, Prakash Karat slam Centre, LG | WATCH

New Delhi: CPM leaders Brinda Karat and Prakash Karat cast their votes in the ongoing Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, voicing strong criticism against the Central Government and its handling of Delhi’s governance.

Brinda Karat, a senior CPM leader and former Rajya Sabha MP, emphasised the need to protect Delhi from what she termed as a "double-engine disaster"— a reference to BJP’s governance model if the same party rules at both the Centre and the state.

"We need to keep Delhi safe from the double-engine disaster, and we have voted keeping that in mind," she said after casting her vote.

Her husband and CPM interim coordinator Prakash Karat echoed similar concerns, accusing the Centre of obstructing Delhi’s elected government.

"The main issue in this election is that the elected government in Delhi was not allowed to function. We have voted against the Centre’s and the LG’s interference. The elected government should have the right to function," Karat, also former CPM general secretary, said.

CPM, though a marginal player in Delhi politics, has been vocal about the conflict between the Centre and the AAP-led Delhi government, particularly over governance and administrative control. The party has consistently criticised what it calls "authoritarian centralisation" and has been advocating for full statehood for Delhi.

Polling for the 70-member Delhi Assembly began on Wednesday, with the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress in a fierce electoral contest. 

The counting of votes will be carried out on February 8.