Senior CPM functionary Prakash Karat defended the party's characterization of the Narendra Modi government as 'neo-fascist' and stated that the term was used with conviction. He explained that while classical fascism is no longer prevalent, political regimes with neo-liberal policies exhibit fascist characteristics. Karat emphasized that the RSS-backed Hindutva ideology in India has unique features of neo-fascism. He also addressed allegations of a change in CPM's stance and stated that the party doesn't need a certificate from Congress leaders regarding its fight against RSS and BJP.