Saturday, August 17, 2013
REPORT ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION (For National Executive Meeting at Ajoy Bhavan, New Delhi – August 7-8, 2013)
REPORT ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION
(For National Executive Meeting at Ajoy Bhavan,
New Delhi – August 7-8, 2013)
THE ECONOMIC SITUATION:-
1. The economic situation continues to be grim. All index of economy are showing downward trend. Even government has admitted that the GDP growth rate will touch the historic low of 5.5 per cent whereas other economists feel that it may go down to below 5 per cent. There is stagnation in all sectors of economy. Industrial production has slowed down and manufacturing sector has registered the fall. Though service sector has shown some recovery, it too is stagnating. According to Purchasing Managers index (PMI) it stood at 50.1 in July Fiscal deficit is growing.
2. Rupee is continuously on slide down and hovering around Rs.60-61 per dollar. Since May the rupee has lost 15 per cent of its value and touched the historic low of Rs. 61.21 per dollar on July 8. The fall in the value of rupee has led to fall in export and increase in the cost of imports that will have further negative impact on trade balance.
3. Prices of almost all essential commodities have doubled since May 2008 and inflation rate is going up unabated. The recent heavy rains and floods in several parts of the country have caused unprecedented rise in the prices of onion, tomato and almost all vegetables. Milk prices are soaring and grain prices too have jumped up. This has added to the miseries of common people.
4. The freedom to increase the prices of diesel and petrol is having cascading effect. During the six weeks of June and July the petrol prices were hiked five times and diesel prices are hiked every month at a rate of 50 Paise per liter. On the one side, by raising the prices of petrol, diesel and cutting the quota of cooking gas, the UPA-II government is heaping new burden on the people on the other it is rewarding the corporate houses with more and more concessions. The most glaring example is decision to increase the price of KG Basin gas from US dollar 4.2 to 8.4 to dole out billions of rupees to Reliance of Mukesh Ambani.
5. The only Mantra the UPA-II knows to overcome the deepening economic crisis is to further open the floodgate of FDI. Last month government in one stroke has decided to further enhance the quantum of FDI in defence, insurance, pension, aviation, retail and other key sectors. It is even diluting the condition for FDI to promote the takeover of our economy by foreign investors. At the time of granting permission for FDI in multi-brand retail trade, the government has claimed that Wal Mart and other retail MNCs will be bound to procure 30 per cent of their requirements from the local market. Wal Mart has made it clear that it will not accept the condition of 30 per cent procurement from local market and Prime Minister has succumbed and assured MNCs that this condition will be reviewed Prime Minister promised more reforms. More reforms means more privatization and more surrender to corporates and MNCs.
6. Government of India has decided to grant licences to more Private Banks. Big business and corporate houses are rushing for licences they want to have their own bank, to do business with people’s money. In the background of bankruptcy and mismanagement of private banks in India and abroad it will be a wrong policy to issue licences.
7. Closures, out sourcing and retrenchment have become order of the day. Job opportunities are shrinking and already employed are losing jobs. There is ban on recruitment and thousands of posts are lying vacant in key government departments and sectors. Closure of mines has thrown thousands jobless.
8. Agrarian economy is in shamble and farmers continue to commit suicide. Forceful acquisition of land for industrialization is taking place but actually being handed over to real estate sharks and builders mafia is shrinking the area under cultivation. This phenomenon is quite visible in the wheat belt of Haryana, U.P. and Punjab and ground nut areas of Gujarat. Tribals are being dislodged on the name of mining in large scale in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and some extent in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers are being dislodged from their land and this is having devastating impact on the rural economy as a whole. Government is encouraging Corporatization of agriculture that is a big offensive against the small and middle farmers. The question of land, agrarian reform and distribution of land is assuming urgency.
9. The Recent assertion of the Government that Poverty is reduced considerably in India is absurd. It is based on old fights and wrong assessment. This claim of Government is ridiculed by many people. It should be exposed.
10. Commercialization of education has become a big threat and the reports during the current admission session indicate that higher education is becoming out of reach of the wards of even middle classes. This threat need to be taken up seriously.
11. On the front of unemployment, a new feature is loss of jobs for lakhs of Indians employed in Gulf countries. The policy of Saudi government to force employment of locals will render several lakhs of Indians employed there jobless. This will also have adverse impact on the economy as a whole.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:-
The government has taken up the path of Ordinance raj to promulgate the Food Security Ordinance though the Parliament was to meet within a month’s time. All the flaws and shortcomings that have already been pointed out remains in the Law. Government has shown this hurry just to use it for propaganda. Government is not at all serious in providing real food security.
Striking an unholy alliance, the Congress has joined JMM in forming the state government in Jharkhand. The political situation in the state continues to be uncertain and unstable. Fresh assembly poll appears to be only alternative.
Telangana: After delaying for decades, ultimately the UPA II core-committee and Congress working committee decided to recommend to Government for formation of Telangana state. This is a justified demand supported by CPI. As expected there is negative agitation in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. CPI appealed for peace and brotherhood among Telugu people.
Telangana announcement has lead to intensification of agitation for separate hood in Bodo land and Goorkha land areas. There are apprehension that UPA II might has selected this timing to announce state hood, to divert attention from real socio-Economic issues. However our Party supported the decision on Telangana.
After the BJP named Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi head of its National Election Campaign Committee, the JD(U) finally broke its alliance with it. It is a significant political development. During the confidence vote, our party supported the JD(U) government which was publicly acknowledged by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The withdrawal of JD(U) from NDA has weakened communal forces further.
Panchayat elections in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have been completed. In West Bengal, the entire election process was marred by violence and shameless suppression of democratic rights. The reports on these elections will be presented by the State leadership.
The two year rule of UDF in Kerala has been hit by corruption scams and sex scandals. The latest scam is related to solar panel sale in which the chief minister Ommen Chandy and his office is directly involved. The LDF is vigorously running the campaign for the ouster of the Chief Minister. The UDF is loosing its credibility.
The Media and the two major bourgeois political parties are already in the election mode. The Media is forcefully trying to project that the only issue before the people is choice of the Prime Minister. The personalities are being projected as if the country has already adopted the system of directly electing the PM. Major socio-economic issues are just being sidelined. The latest KG Basin gas scam did not find mention in the way it deserved in the Media particularly the electronic one.
The Union cabinet Economic affairs committee decided to increase the Natural Gas Price from $4.2 to $8.4 for MMBTU. This is to help the Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Company. This was exposed by our party and Left Surprisingly the BJP is silent on this issue. This exposes the nexus between Congress BJP and corporate house.
9. Anti-POSCO agitation in Odisha under the leadership of our party is going on for the last 8 years. Com. Abhoy Sahoo, leader of Anti-Posco struggle, is arrested again and kept in jail. The Odisha government is making all efforts to terrorize the people and occupy and land to be handed over to Posco Company.
A consistent dirty campaign has started in recent period, by the Left extremists who were supporting our agitation against CPI, on Abhoy Sahoo and other party leaders that CPI is sabotaging the struggle. It looks that they are Jealous of our struggle and carrying on this campaign through internet. This should be replied properly and fought back. They should be exposed.
Anti-Posco solidarity campaign should be intensified. Unity of the people who are carrying the struggle heroically should be strengthened. A national solidarity convention should be planed at Delhi along with other Left Parties. Nation wide campaign should be planned to support and strengthen Anti-Posco struggle.
10. On July 1, the four Left Parties---- CPI, CPI(M), Forward Bloc and RSP--held the National Convention at Delhi and adopted a declaration that contain 10 point charter of outline of alternative policies on which the national alternative be based. Our party has sent this document to 21 regional political parties to seek their comments and suggestion. Preparation are on for holding the state level conventions. This document need to be popularized particularly its outline of alternative programme.
11. State of Uttarakhand has been badly hit by heavy rains, floods and land sliding. Thousands have died, villages after villages have been wiped out rendering lakhs homeless. The Union and state governments have miserably failed in taking up the task of providing relief and rehabilitation of affected people. Our party comrades, though in a limited manner, joined the relief operations from day one. The state council now has chalked out a detailed programme to intensify the campaign for proper relief and rehabilitation. Our Party has given a call for National Relief Fund. Though a few lakhs are collected, the response is very poor and disappointing from many states. A.P., Karnataka did well in this regard. Party Comrades should develop solidarity movement in the hour of need. Center is providing financial assistance from the fund received for relief work.
12. Rajya Sabha Elections : Com. D. Raja retired from Rajya Sabha, we wanted to contest the biennial elections from Tamilnadu. CPI has eight M.L.A. only in Tamilnadu assembly CPI(M) with ten M.L.A. agreed our request to support us. We requested AIADMK General Secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalitha to extend support. Our State Council arranged the meeting and played important role to impress her to support us. Though first refused and declared her candidates to five out of six vacant seats, she ultimately withdraw one her candidates and extended support to our Party candidate. Four AIADMK, one CPI and one DMK candidates got elected.
As there was no time to call the National Executive, the Secretariat took the decision to renominate Com. D. Raja as CPI candidate, consulted the State Executive and finalized the candidate. We owe our thanks to Jayalalitha Ji. This election is important to us as Rajya Sabha would have left with lone CPI M.P. from Kerala.
13. In Rajasthan, a new front has been floated for the assembly elections Some electoral preparations are on there. In Chhattisgarh also some preliminary work has started and an alliance has been forged. But in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh due attention is not being paid to the elections due after three months.
14. The NE in this session have to discuss the preparation for the LOK SABHA in detail. The issue cannot be ignored any more. This has to be taken up as a separate agenda.
TASK BEFORE THE PARTY : -
All Preparation should take place for ensuring Parliament election, to increase our Party strength in Lok Sabha and for a stronger Left Block.
Election Fund Collection should start at all levels and targets should be fulfilled. All party leaders and Comrades should participate in the collection.
October (3 to 5) Picketings should became successful. All Party members and sympathizers should participate in Picketings.
Left conventions and Rallies should be organized, as planed by the National Convention.
5. A national convention in solidarity with POSCO agitation should be organized along with other Left Parties.
National Executive Meet
Information Document-I
JUDICIARY ON DISQUALIFICATION OF PEOPLES’ REPRESENTATIVES
In the recent period Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court have given some judgements which are having far-reaching consequences.
Allahabad High Court banned caste rallies in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the recent period, caste rallies have become a regular feature followed by some Political Parties, in preparation for Parliament Elections. This is a welcome decision of High Court.
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to frame effective rules regarding Freebies, like Free Food grains, Lap tops, Mangal Sutras, Cycles, Mixers, Grinders, to voters in their Election Manifestos. It is a difficult, proposition but some regulation is needed. These free gifts are for the benefit to Party but charges will be borne by Taxpayers.
Supreme Court also gave two separate judgements which have created complications for peoples’ representatives.
First it decided that all those who are punished with two years or more imprisonment, will be disqualified from the day of the judgement, to continue as people’s representatives. This has become necessary as the appeals in higher courts are going on for decades. But there are problems that some time, the Left and Democratic Parties’ leaders activists will be also punished for participating in people’s agitations on concocted criminal cases. The spirit of the judgement is to disqualify the criminals from continuing as peoples representatives after punishment.
The second judgement says that those who are in legal custody will loose their voting right and will not have a right to contest Elections. But these days thousands of activists of Democratic movement are arrested in many cases. Ruling party can misuse its political authority to arrest the opponents to keep them away from Elections. Such type of law was not there even in British days. Many Communist leaders were elected to Assemblies and Parliament from Behind bars. There is a famous Irish political slogan “Vote them in (into Parliament) to bring them out (from jails) i.e. to get their leaders released.
There should be proper law in the parliament, in consultation with all the political parties.
All these judgements are hailed with a mistaken understanding that it will keep criminals out of politics. One third members of parliament and legislatures are having some criminal case or other record against them. A section of intellectuals and middle class are becoming cynical and support these type of judgements also. Their anger against criminalization politics, corrupt politicians is be coming allergic to political parties and all politicians.
In the recent past, there was a feeling that judiciary is “over active” and there is “over reach”. The inefficiency of the Executives through their acts of omissions and commissions are responsible for judicial activism.
There was unpardonable negligence on the part of the Executive on important issues like bringing back stashed black money from abroad, law to curb corruption, food security to people, foolish methodology in counting poverty, admissions to children in schools, providing health facilities, misuse of CBI, elimination of criminals from politics etc. The Executive is making the legislature helpless and defunct hence. Judicial activism is getting bigger support.
This formulation should be altered - But Executive weaknesses should not be taken advantage by judiciary? Executive, legislature and judiciary should co exist within their limits. The clash between them will create constitutional crisis. That should be averted. It is for the political leadership to establish that harmony and balance through giving clean administration to the common man.
Information Document-II
RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND POLITICAL PARTIES
The Central Information Commission has given a decision that all National Political Parties are “Public Authority” according to Right to Information Act and asked us to appoint Public Information Officers in our Party. Their decision is based on Technical ground that Political Parties get substantial funding indirectly. They cited examples such as Plot allotted to Political Parties for construction of offices at Delhi at concession rates.
Flats or Bungalows allotted to Party leaders at Delhi at concessional rent.
Income tax exemption to companies, on donations to Political Parties.
Free voters list the time of elections.
Free time slot allotted in official media during elections etc.
This decision has been rejected by all Political Parties. There is criticism from some sections of intellectuals and R.T.I. activists that Political Parties are ganging up in Parliament to dilute the RTI act and they do not want to be transparent.
The Allegations that the Political Parties are substantially finances” by the Government is not correct. The supply of voters list, time slot allotment to Political Parties is essential in democracy. Exemptions of Income-Tax is beneficial to companies and corporates Left Parties does not accept donations from corporates.
Plots for Political Parties offices in Delhi are to be given by the government, as most of the land in New Delhi is in the hands of the Government. However it is given on lease. The allotment of plot is done decades back but Market value of 2013 is calculated to arrive at the cost of concession.
Our Party has taken a stand that Political Parties should be transparent and accountable to people as for as Finances are concerned. We have put all the details of our Income-expenditure and list of donors over Rs. 20,000/- a year, in the Website of the Party CPI(M) has also put these details in the website.
We are opposed to give details of our inner Party discussions to non-party members. The Union Government has decided to bring an amendment to RTI act to keep the Political Parties out of it. As RTI act is brought by the Parliament, any clarification has to come from parliament itself.
(For National Executive Meeting at Ajoy Bhavan,
New Delhi – August 7-8, 2013)
THE ECONOMIC SITUATION:-
1. The economic situation continues to be grim. All index of economy are showing downward trend. Even government has admitted that the GDP growth rate will touch the historic low of 5.5 per cent whereas other economists feel that it may go down to below 5 per cent. There is stagnation in all sectors of economy. Industrial production has slowed down and manufacturing sector has registered the fall. Though service sector has shown some recovery, it too is stagnating. According to Purchasing Managers index (PMI) it stood at 50.1 in July Fiscal deficit is growing.
2. Rupee is continuously on slide down and hovering around Rs.60-61 per dollar. Since May the rupee has lost 15 per cent of its value and touched the historic low of Rs. 61.21 per dollar on July 8. The fall in the value of rupee has led to fall in export and increase in the cost of imports that will have further negative impact on trade balance.
3. Prices of almost all essential commodities have doubled since May 2008 and inflation rate is going up unabated. The recent heavy rains and floods in several parts of the country have caused unprecedented rise in the prices of onion, tomato and almost all vegetables. Milk prices are soaring and grain prices too have jumped up. This has added to the miseries of common people.
4. The freedom to increase the prices of diesel and petrol is having cascading effect. During the six weeks of June and July the petrol prices were hiked five times and diesel prices are hiked every month at a rate of 50 Paise per liter. On the one side, by raising the prices of petrol, diesel and cutting the quota of cooking gas, the UPA-II government is heaping new burden on the people on the other it is rewarding the corporate houses with more and more concessions. The most glaring example is decision to increase the price of KG Basin gas from US dollar 4.2 to 8.4 to dole out billions of rupees to Reliance of Mukesh Ambani.
5. The only Mantra the UPA-II knows to overcome the deepening economic crisis is to further open the floodgate of FDI. Last month government in one stroke has decided to further enhance the quantum of FDI in defence, insurance, pension, aviation, retail and other key sectors. It is even diluting the condition for FDI to promote the takeover of our economy by foreign investors. At the time of granting permission for FDI in multi-brand retail trade, the government has claimed that Wal Mart and other retail MNCs will be bound to procure 30 per cent of their requirements from the local market. Wal Mart has made it clear that it will not accept the condition of 30 per cent procurement from local market and Prime Minister has succumbed and assured MNCs that this condition will be reviewed Prime Minister promised more reforms. More reforms means more privatization and more surrender to corporates and MNCs.
6. Government of India has decided to grant licences to more Private Banks. Big business and corporate houses are rushing for licences they want to have their own bank, to do business with people’s money. In the background of bankruptcy and mismanagement of private banks in India and abroad it will be a wrong policy to issue licences.
7. Closures, out sourcing and retrenchment have become order of the day. Job opportunities are shrinking and already employed are losing jobs. There is ban on recruitment and thousands of posts are lying vacant in key government departments and sectors. Closure of mines has thrown thousands jobless.
8. Agrarian economy is in shamble and farmers continue to commit suicide. Forceful acquisition of land for industrialization is taking place but actually being handed over to real estate sharks and builders mafia is shrinking the area under cultivation. This phenomenon is quite visible in the wheat belt of Haryana, U.P. and Punjab and ground nut areas of Gujarat. Tribals are being dislodged on the name of mining in large scale in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and some extent in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers are being dislodged from their land and this is having devastating impact on the rural economy as a whole. Government is encouraging Corporatization of agriculture that is a big offensive against the small and middle farmers. The question of land, agrarian reform and distribution of land is assuming urgency.
9. The Recent assertion of the Government that Poverty is reduced considerably in India is absurd. It is based on old fights and wrong assessment. This claim of Government is ridiculed by many people. It should be exposed.
10. Commercialization of education has become a big threat and the reports during the current admission session indicate that higher education is becoming out of reach of the wards of even middle classes. This threat need to be taken up seriously.
11. On the front of unemployment, a new feature is loss of jobs for lakhs of Indians employed in Gulf countries. The policy of Saudi government to force employment of locals will render several lakhs of Indians employed there jobless. This will also have adverse impact on the economy as a whole.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:-
The government has taken up the path of Ordinance raj to promulgate the Food Security Ordinance though the Parliament was to meet within a month’s time. All the flaws and shortcomings that have already been pointed out remains in the Law. Government has shown this hurry just to use it for propaganda. Government is not at all serious in providing real food security.
Striking an unholy alliance, the Congress has joined JMM in forming the state government in Jharkhand. The political situation in the state continues to be uncertain and unstable. Fresh assembly poll appears to be only alternative.
Telangana: After delaying for decades, ultimately the UPA II core-committee and Congress working committee decided to recommend to Government for formation of Telangana state. This is a justified demand supported by CPI. As expected there is negative agitation in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. CPI appealed for peace and brotherhood among Telugu people.
Telangana announcement has lead to intensification of agitation for separate hood in Bodo land and Goorkha land areas. There are apprehension that UPA II might has selected this timing to announce state hood, to divert attention from real socio-Economic issues. However our Party supported the decision on Telangana.
After the BJP named Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi head of its National Election Campaign Committee, the JD(U) finally broke its alliance with it. It is a significant political development. During the confidence vote, our party supported the JD(U) government which was publicly acknowledged by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The withdrawal of JD(U) from NDA has weakened communal forces further.
Panchayat elections in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have been completed. In West Bengal, the entire election process was marred by violence and shameless suppression of democratic rights. The reports on these elections will be presented by the State leadership.
The two year rule of UDF in Kerala has been hit by corruption scams and sex scandals. The latest scam is related to solar panel sale in which the chief minister Ommen Chandy and his office is directly involved. The LDF is vigorously running the campaign for the ouster of the Chief Minister. The UDF is loosing its credibility.
The Media and the two major bourgeois political parties are already in the election mode. The Media is forcefully trying to project that the only issue before the people is choice of the Prime Minister. The personalities are being projected as if the country has already adopted the system of directly electing the PM. Major socio-economic issues are just being sidelined. The latest KG Basin gas scam did not find mention in the way it deserved in the Media particularly the electronic one.
The Union cabinet Economic affairs committee decided to increase the Natural Gas Price from $4.2 to $8.4 for MMBTU. This is to help the Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Company. This was exposed by our party and Left Surprisingly the BJP is silent on this issue. This exposes the nexus between Congress BJP and corporate house.
9. Anti-POSCO agitation in Odisha under the leadership of our party is going on for the last 8 years. Com. Abhoy Sahoo, leader of Anti-Posco struggle, is arrested again and kept in jail. The Odisha government is making all efforts to terrorize the people and occupy and land to be handed over to Posco Company.
A consistent dirty campaign has started in recent period, by the Left extremists who were supporting our agitation against CPI, on Abhoy Sahoo and other party leaders that CPI is sabotaging the struggle. It looks that they are Jealous of our struggle and carrying on this campaign through internet. This should be replied properly and fought back. They should be exposed.
Anti-Posco solidarity campaign should be intensified. Unity of the people who are carrying the struggle heroically should be strengthened. A national solidarity convention should be planed at Delhi along with other Left Parties. Nation wide campaign should be planned to support and strengthen Anti-Posco struggle.
10. On July 1, the four Left Parties---- CPI, CPI(M), Forward Bloc and RSP--held the National Convention at Delhi and adopted a declaration that contain 10 point charter of outline of alternative policies on which the national alternative be based. Our party has sent this document to 21 regional political parties to seek their comments and suggestion. Preparation are on for holding the state level conventions. This document need to be popularized particularly its outline of alternative programme.
11. State of Uttarakhand has been badly hit by heavy rains, floods and land sliding. Thousands have died, villages after villages have been wiped out rendering lakhs homeless. The Union and state governments have miserably failed in taking up the task of providing relief and rehabilitation of affected people. Our party comrades, though in a limited manner, joined the relief operations from day one. The state council now has chalked out a detailed programme to intensify the campaign for proper relief and rehabilitation. Our Party has given a call for National Relief Fund. Though a few lakhs are collected, the response is very poor and disappointing from many states. A.P., Karnataka did well in this regard. Party Comrades should develop solidarity movement in the hour of need. Center is providing financial assistance from the fund received for relief work.
12. Rajya Sabha Elections : Com. D. Raja retired from Rajya Sabha, we wanted to contest the biennial elections from Tamilnadu. CPI has eight M.L.A. only in Tamilnadu assembly CPI(M) with ten M.L.A. agreed our request to support us. We requested AIADMK General Secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalitha to extend support. Our State Council arranged the meeting and played important role to impress her to support us. Though first refused and declared her candidates to five out of six vacant seats, she ultimately withdraw one her candidates and extended support to our Party candidate. Four AIADMK, one CPI and one DMK candidates got elected.
As there was no time to call the National Executive, the Secretariat took the decision to renominate Com. D. Raja as CPI candidate, consulted the State Executive and finalized the candidate. We owe our thanks to Jayalalitha Ji. This election is important to us as Rajya Sabha would have left with lone CPI M.P. from Kerala.
13. In Rajasthan, a new front has been floated for the assembly elections Some electoral preparations are on there. In Chhattisgarh also some preliminary work has started and an alliance has been forged. But in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh due attention is not being paid to the elections due after three months.
14. The NE in this session have to discuss the preparation for the LOK SABHA in detail. The issue cannot be ignored any more. This has to be taken up as a separate agenda.
TASK BEFORE THE PARTY : -
All Preparation should take place for ensuring Parliament election, to increase our Party strength in Lok Sabha and for a stronger Left Block.
Election Fund Collection should start at all levels and targets should be fulfilled. All party leaders and Comrades should participate in the collection.
October (3 to 5) Picketings should became successful. All Party members and sympathizers should participate in Picketings.
Left conventions and Rallies should be organized, as planed by the National Convention.
5. A national convention in solidarity with POSCO agitation should be organized along with other Left Parties.
National Executive Meet
Information Document-I
JUDICIARY ON DISQUALIFICATION OF PEOPLES’ REPRESENTATIVES
In the recent period Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court have given some judgements which are having far-reaching consequences.
Allahabad High Court banned caste rallies in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the recent period, caste rallies have become a regular feature followed by some Political Parties, in preparation for Parliament Elections. This is a welcome decision of High Court.
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to frame effective rules regarding Freebies, like Free Food grains, Lap tops, Mangal Sutras, Cycles, Mixers, Grinders, to voters in their Election Manifestos. It is a difficult, proposition but some regulation is needed. These free gifts are for the benefit to Party but charges will be borne by Taxpayers.
Supreme Court also gave two separate judgements which have created complications for peoples’ representatives.
First it decided that all those who are punished with two years or more imprisonment, will be disqualified from the day of the judgement, to continue as people’s representatives. This has become necessary as the appeals in higher courts are going on for decades. But there are problems that some time, the Left and Democratic Parties’ leaders activists will be also punished for participating in people’s agitations on concocted criminal cases. The spirit of the judgement is to disqualify the criminals from continuing as peoples representatives after punishment.
The second judgement says that those who are in legal custody will loose their voting right and will not have a right to contest Elections. But these days thousands of activists of Democratic movement are arrested in many cases. Ruling party can misuse its political authority to arrest the opponents to keep them away from Elections. Such type of law was not there even in British days. Many Communist leaders were elected to Assemblies and Parliament from Behind bars. There is a famous Irish political slogan “Vote them in (into Parliament) to bring them out (from jails) i.e. to get their leaders released.
There should be proper law in the parliament, in consultation with all the political parties.
All these judgements are hailed with a mistaken understanding that it will keep criminals out of politics. One third members of parliament and legislatures are having some criminal case or other record against them. A section of intellectuals and middle class are becoming cynical and support these type of judgements also. Their anger against criminalization politics, corrupt politicians is be coming allergic to political parties and all politicians.
In the recent past, there was a feeling that judiciary is “over active” and there is “over reach”. The inefficiency of the Executives through their acts of omissions and commissions are responsible for judicial activism.
There was unpardonable negligence on the part of the Executive on important issues like bringing back stashed black money from abroad, law to curb corruption, food security to people, foolish methodology in counting poverty, admissions to children in schools, providing health facilities, misuse of CBI, elimination of criminals from politics etc. The Executive is making the legislature helpless and defunct hence. Judicial activism is getting bigger support.
This formulation should be altered - But Executive weaknesses should not be taken advantage by judiciary? Executive, legislature and judiciary should co exist within their limits. The clash between them will create constitutional crisis. That should be averted. It is for the political leadership to establish that harmony and balance through giving clean administration to the common man.
Information Document-II
RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND POLITICAL PARTIES
The Central Information Commission has given a decision that all National Political Parties are “Public Authority” according to Right to Information Act and asked us to appoint Public Information Officers in our Party. Their decision is based on Technical ground that Political Parties get substantial funding indirectly. They cited examples such as Plot allotted to Political Parties for construction of offices at Delhi at concession rates.
Flats or Bungalows allotted to Party leaders at Delhi at concessional rent.
Income tax exemption to companies, on donations to Political Parties.
Free voters list the time of elections.
Free time slot allotted in official media during elections etc.
This decision has been rejected by all Political Parties. There is criticism from some sections of intellectuals and R.T.I. activists that Political Parties are ganging up in Parliament to dilute the RTI act and they do not want to be transparent.
The Allegations that the Political Parties are substantially finances” by the Government is not correct. The supply of voters list, time slot allotment to Political Parties is essential in democracy. Exemptions of Income-Tax is beneficial to companies and corporates Left Parties does not accept donations from corporates.
Plots for Political Parties offices in Delhi are to be given by the government, as most of the land in New Delhi is in the hands of the Government. However it is given on lease. The allotment of plot is done decades back but Market value of 2013 is calculated to arrive at the cost of concession.
Our Party has taken a stand that Political Parties should be transparent and accountable to people as for as Finances are concerned. We have put all the details of our Income-expenditure and list of donors over Rs. 20,000/- a year, in the Website of the Party CPI(M) has also put these details in the website.
We are opposed to give details of our inner Party discussions to non-party members. The Union Government has decided to bring an amendment to RTI act to keep the Political Parties out of it. As RTI act is brought by the Parliament, any clarification has to come from parliament itself.
Pro-Gorkhaland outfits form joint action committee
Pro-Gorkhaland outfits form joint action committee
CPI, West Bengal is closely observing the tense situation in Darjeeling Hill Areas. As the issue of conflict is very old and several attempts were taken to resolve the issue of conflicts, therefore, this time also it should be reviewed further. The questions of development, ploitical power should be taken in the first priority. It is not a Law and order problem, therefore application of administrative measures and forces only trigger further worsening the life of the people and development efforts.
As we get the report on 17th August, several parties led by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Friday formed a Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC) and called for a five-day agitation starting Aug 19 asking people to stay indoors.
The GJM and other parties, fighting for a separate Gorkhaland state, called for the five-day "Ghar Bhitra Janta" (people inside homes) agitation in support of their demand.
"We have decided to form the GJAC to step up the movement for Gorkhaland. We have also chalked out plans for a eight-day agitation and requested people not to venture outdoors (Aug 19-23)," GJM leader and JCAC chairman Enos Das Pradhan said.
Besides the GJM, the Communist Party of Revolutionary (Marxist), the All India Gorkha League, Hill BJP and the Congress were among the parties which attended parleys at the Darjeeling Gymkhana Club. The state's ruling Trinamool Congress, opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Gorkha National Liberation Front boycotted.
"There will be rakhi bandhan processions on August 24-25," said Pradhan.
On Aug 26, a human chain would be formed. "People will come out wearing black bands, with posters hanging from their necks demanding Gorkahaland and condemning the state government's attitude," said Pradhan.
Presidents and secretaries of all the outfits would be part of the GJAC executive committee.
"The GJAC has agreed that GTA (hill development body Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) is a failure and will be repealed soon," said GJM president Bimal Gurung, who has already resigned as GTA Chief Executive.
Pradhan asked the central government to intervene to break the deadlock on the Gorkhaland issue.
"We are ready to speak to governor M.K. Narayanan if he wants to talk to us," said Pradhan.
The GJAC would meet again Aug 18, he added.
Opposing the GJAC pronouncements, the state government promised steps to ensure normalcy.
State North Bengal Affairs minister Gautam Deb said: "Ghar Bhitra Janta" was only another name for the 'people's curfew' imposed by the GJM in the hills Aug 13-14, which was frowned upon by the Calcutta High Court.
"The high court has said the Janta Curfew (People's Curfew) is only a form of bandh (shutdown), and is unconstitutional. No Indian citizen is above the law or the constitution. All steps needed will be taken to protect the constitution and keep life normal," Deb said.
"We'll rally the people behind us and tackle the situation administratively and politically," the minister said.
He accused the Congress and the BJP of supporting the Gorkhaland movement. "We demand to know why the Congress and BJP leaders were present at the meeting."
Darjeeling District Magistrate Puneet Yadav said some state government employees have been asked to show cause for not attending office during the shutdowns and people's curfew imposed by the GJM recently.
Meanwhile, the number of arrests following the recent unrest has risen to nearly 400.
Trouble started afresh in the hills after the GJM intensified the Gorkhaland movement following the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) green light to a separate Telangana. Two GJM activists have attempted self-immolation and one of them succumbed. The state government has ruled out any division of the state.
The Calcutta High Court recently declared the GJM shutdown illegal and sought explanation as to why the Morcha should not be made to compensate for infringing the fundamental rights of the people.
The Gorkhaland movement for a separate state to be carved out of parts of Darjeeling and its neighbouring Jalpaiguri district has left many dead over the past two-and-half decades, besides affecting the region's economy based on tea, timber and tourism.
CPI, West Bengal is closely observing the tense situation in Darjeeling Hill Areas. As the issue of conflict is very old and several attempts were taken to resolve the issue of conflicts, therefore, this time also it should be reviewed further. The questions of development, ploitical power should be taken in the first priority. It is not a Law and order problem, therefore application of administrative measures and forces only trigger further worsening the life of the people and development efforts.
As we get the report on 17th August, several parties led by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Friday formed a Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC) and called for a five-day agitation starting Aug 19 asking people to stay indoors.
The GJM and other parties, fighting for a separate Gorkhaland state, called for the five-day "Ghar Bhitra Janta" (people inside homes) agitation in support of their demand.
"We have decided to form the GJAC to step up the movement for Gorkhaland. We have also chalked out plans for a eight-day agitation and requested people not to venture outdoors (Aug 19-23)," GJM leader and JCAC chairman Enos Das Pradhan said.
Besides the GJM, the Communist Party of Revolutionary (Marxist), the All India Gorkha League, Hill BJP and the Congress were among the parties which attended parleys at the Darjeeling Gymkhana Club. The state's ruling Trinamool Congress, opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Gorkha National Liberation Front boycotted.
"There will be rakhi bandhan processions on August 24-25," said Pradhan.
On Aug 26, a human chain would be formed. "People will come out wearing black bands, with posters hanging from their necks demanding Gorkahaland and condemning the state government's attitude," said Pradhan.
Presidents and secretaries of all the outfits would be part of the GJAC executive committee.
"The GJAC has agreed that GTA (hill development body Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) is a failure and will be repealed soon," said GJM president Bimal Gurung, who has already resigned as GTA Chief Executive.
Pradhan asked the central government to intervene to break the deadlock on the Gorkhaland issue.
"We are ready to speak to governor M.K. Narayanan if he wants to talk to us," said Pradhan.
The GJAC would meet again Aug 18, he added.
Opposing the GJAC pronouncements, the state government promised steps to ensure normalcy.
State North Bengal Affairs minister Gautam Deb said: "Ghar Bhitra Janta" was only another name for the 'people's curfew' imposed by the GJM in the hills Aug 13-14, which was frowned upon by the Calcutta High Court.
"The high court has said the Janta Curfew (People's Curfew) is only a form of bandh (shutdown), and is unconstitutional. No Indian citizen is above the law or the constitution. All steps needed will be taken to protect the constitution and keep life normal," Deb said.
"We'll rally the people behind us and tackle the situation administratively and politically," the minister said.
He accused the Congress and the BJP of supporting the Gorkhaland movement. "We demand to know why the Congress and BJP leaders were present at the meeting."
Darjeeling District Magistrate Puneet Yadav said some state government employees have been asked to show cause for not attending office during the shutdowns and people's curfew imposed by the GJM recently.
Meanwhile, the number of arrests following the recent unrest has risen to nearly 400.
Trouble started afresh in the hills after the GJM intensified the Gorkhaland movement following the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) green light to a separate Telangana. Two GJM activists have attempted self-immolation and one of them succumbed. The state government has ruled out any division of the state.
The Calcutta High Court recently declared the GJM shutdown illegal and sought explanation as to why the Morcha should not be made to compensate for infringing the fundamental rights of the people.
The Gorkhaland movement for a separate state to be carved out of parts of Darjeeling and its neighbouring Jalpaiguri district has left many dead over the past two-and-half decades, besides affecting the region's economy based on tea, timber and tourism.
Kashmir Issue
BJP and RSS are responsible for provoking violence against Muslims in Jammu region. The state should take firm steps against rumor mongers and rioters. West Bengal State Council is expressing serious concern over the violence in Kishtwar and elsewhere that has claimed three lives. It was unfortunate that it took several hours for police and the administration to act. In the meanwhile, the rioters had a free run. If the authorities had acted in time, lives and property could have been saved and situation could have been brought under control. There are reports that activists of the BJP, RSS (and) VHP are fanning out and inciting people to attack houses and shops owned by the minority community.
Despite aberrations, the people of the state have maintained communal harmony and brotherhood till now. Attempts to sow seeds of discord among the people on religious and communal lines must be defeated. The CPI-West Bengal State Council is asking to the state administration to act firmly against elements desperate to disturb peace and harmony in the state.
Despite aberrations, the people of the state have maintained communal harmony and brotherhood till now. Attempts to sow seeds of discord among the people on religious and communal lines must be defeated. The CPI-West Bengal State Council is asking to the state administration to act firmly against elements desperate to disturb peace and harmony in the state.
CPI WELCOMES DECISION ON TELANGANA
The Secretariat of the Communist Party of India, welcome the decision of UPA coordination committee and Congress Working Committee to recommend to Government to start the process of formation of Telangana state. This inevitable decision was delayed due to wavering of the ruling party. It is a victory for the struggles of the people of Telangana. CPI congratulates the people of Telangana. CPI will support and vote in favour of the Telangana statehood proposal in parliament.
CPI appeals to agitating students and youth in some parts to maintain peace and be co-operative as the final decision is taken.
CPI urges upon both state and Central Government to repose confidence in the minds of agitating youth and students in the costal and Rayalaseema that their future is quite assured. Industrial growth should be the focus point to enable most of the youths from these regions get employment.
CPI strongly feels that the brotherhood of Telugu people will continue even after the formation of two states. All issues of partition, including sharing of river water, assets and liabilities can be settled amicably through discussions. Confidence should be created in the people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, that they will get all security in Hyderabad and Telangana area.
CPI will do all it can, to maintain best of relations between the Telugu people in the future also. The CPI wishes Secular, democratic traditions will continue in both the states of Telugu people.
ON AFTERMATH OF TELANGANA ANNOUNCEMENT
The National Executive of The Communist Party of India (CPI) currently in session in Delhi expresses serious concern on increasing incidents of violence in the state of Andhra Pradesh in the aftermath of the announcement of UPA 2 and Congress decision to create the separate state of Telangana by bifurcating the state. CPI welcomes the decision on Telangana the way the Congress led UPA 2 government has handled the justified demand for Telangana has not only sparked dissatisfaction and anger in the Seemandhra part of the state but also given a flip to such demands in the other parts of the country. As the government failed to take all concerned people into confidence and is still wavering on certain crucial issues about creation of the separate state, there are genuine apprehensions in different segments of the population of the state.
The National Executive of the CPI appeal to the people of all regions of the state of Andhra Pradesh to maintain peace and calm, not resort to violence as it will only create unnecessary cleavages among the Telugu people. All issues related to bifurcation of the state be resolved through mutual consultation with the spirit to maintain Telugu brotherhood. The legal process for creation of the state of Telangana should be completed without any delay while taking people of all regions into confidence. Narrow political electoral gains should not mar the process.
CPI appeals to agitating students and youth in some parts to maintain peace and be co-operative as the final decision is taken.
CPI urges upon both state and Central Government to repose confidence in the minds of agitating youth and students in the costal and Rayalaseema that their future is quite assured. Industrial growth should be the focus point to enable most of the youths from these regions get employment.
CPI strongly feels that the brotherhood of Telugu people will continue even after the formation of two states. All issues of partition, including sharing of river water, assets and liabilities can be settled amicably through discussions. Confidence should be created in the people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, that they will get all security in Hyderabad and Telangana area.
CPI will do all it can, to maintain best of relations between the Telugu people in the future also. The CPI wishes Secular, democratic traditions will continue in both the states of Telugu people.
ON AFTERMATH OF TELANGANA ANNOUNCEMENT
The National Executive of The Communist Party of India (CPI) currently in session in Delhi expresses serious concern on increasing incidents of violence in the state of Andhra Pradesh in the aftermath of the announcement of UPA 2 and Congress decision to create the separate state of Telangana by bifurcating the state. CPI welcomes the decision on Telangana the way the Congress led UPA 2 government has handled the justified demand for Telangana has not only sparked dissatisfaction and anger in the Seemandhra part of the state but also given a flip to such demands in the other parts of the country. As the government failed to take all concerned people into confidence and is still wavering on certain crucial issues about creation of the separate state, there are genuine apprehensions in different segments of the population of the state.
The National Executive of the CPI appeal to the people of all regions of the state of Andhra Pradesh to maintain peace and calm, not resort to violence as it will only create unnecessary cleavages among the Telugu people. All issues related to bifurcation of the state be resolved through mutual consultation with the spirit to maintain Telugu brotherhood. The legal process for creation of the state of Telangana should be completed without any delay while taking people of all regions into confidence. Narrow political electoral gains should not mar the process.
2013 Panchayat Elections in West Bengal – What Next?
The bloodbath continues in rural Bengal as Panchayat elections are being held. About a dozen lives have already been sacrificed and, in all likelihood, there is more to follow. Carnages, beating, eviction and partisan clashes continue. These clashes are not just between the ruling Trinamul Congress and the opposition Left Front or Congress, but no less between the rival groups of the Trinamul itself, and as it appears, in most cases it is the opposition – the left parties, Congress and “unofficial” Trinamul groups which are at the receiving end of rampant violence. What could be a mundane element of practicing democracy – villagers electing their own local government to work within their reach – has become an event of manifest coercion for establishing absolute partisan control, particularly by the Trinamul Congress.
The Birbhum district president of the Trinamul Congress, Anubrata Mondol, for example, urged his supporters from a public meeting not to allow the opposition to field candidates (Anandabazar Patrika, June 3, 2013). He also called upon his supporters to hurl “bombs at the police if they try to protect the Trinamul dissenters”. Another Trinamul leader, actor turned member of Parliament, Tapas Paul, could not restrain himself from advising with dramatic fury his supporters to teach the supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M) a lesson: “jutiye lamba kore din… keliye soja kore din” (“beat sense into them with your shoes…straighten them out with a thrashing”). Another Trinamul leader, Monirul Islam has threatened to behead a Congress leader. These are a thin sample of the mounds of terrorising statements that have been made by the leaders of the ruling party on many occasions in the recent times.
The results of such calls for “partisan cleansing” are clearly evident. In about 14% of the constituencies, the Trinamul Congress won uncontested as the opposition could not even nominate its candidates, denying the people their right to choose. People in many of the constituencies were either not allowed to vote or were coerced to vote for the ruling party.
It certainly is a cause for concern that the state which had added meaning to Panchayati Raj by holding regular elections since 1978 without a hitch, had to now invoke judicial intervention to complete the electoral process.
But, are these gross violations of democratic rights something absolutely unknown to West Bengal? Was democracy completely safe during the Left rule? How was it in the Panchayat elections in 2003, that 7000 seats were won uncontested? Why, despite a positive move in the 1980s towards strengthening the local governments through decentralised planning and implementations, the state government followed a reverse track, turning the Panchayats into mere local level bureaucratic accessories? These are few questions people are asking in the air.
The Questions:
It was perhaps the very collapse of the movement for decentralisation, a positive political action towards empowering the people at grass root level, which led to the nurturing of a culture of political absolutism in the state.
One wonders how despite growing inequality between classes – which is an all-India phenomenon in the time of neoliberal capitalism – the Left maintained its regime in West Bengal undefeated for three and half decades.
Does the Left truly ignored the poor at both political and societal levels, where not enough opportunities were created for them to take part in their own capability building? Is it true that did not create enough opportunities for education for all even after three decades of uninterrupted rule?
Studies show that it is the poor, constituted mainly of dalits, adivasis and Muslims, who face the most severe discriminations in education and health. This neglect resulted in discontinuing the process of decentralised planning, though it was initiated as a pioneering pro-people movement in the 1980s in the then Medinipur district. Ajit Narayan Bose, who played a key role in designing this movement, points at the socio-political factors responsible for the collapse of this movement in West Bengal:
…absolute lack of response … by any Zilla Parishad outside Midnapore to implement this programme of village planning by villagers. It appears that it is not possible for either the potential "Trustees" or the existing party leadership to be enthusiastic about enabling the villagers to prepare their own plan. … The extent of elitism as manifested in the disbelief in the ability of the rural poor for self-reliant activities appears to be very deep among leaders of all political parties whether in power or striving to be in power. This disbelief may be the basis of their ‘bad faith’ that unless they remain perpetually in power the interests of the poor cannot be served.
Are these true?
(a) growing impoverishment among rural population reflected in the increased share of agricultural labourers among the workers (b) reversal of land reform that was reported in the West Bengal Human Development Report, responsible for preventing the rural surplus from getting re-invested, and (c) large number of outmigration of the rural youth in search of employment.
In search of Lesson:
The Panchayat polls of 2013 offers a major lesson not just for the Left Front, but all concerned with political activism. It is the existence of an opposition that guarantees the life of a body polity, and a pursuit of absolutist domination can only invite a tragic destruction.
The main aim of the local Trinamul Congress leaders is not just establishing absolute control, which the Left also had attempted earlier, but to wage a war against the working classes. TMC leaders are openly threatening in various public meetings that the land reforms programme of the Left was an “absolute misdeed” and they would “right the wrong by giving back the lands to the original owners”.
Trinamul’s absolutism is a ferocious attempt of fuelling class hatred of the rural elites against the poor. The repeat of history, in this case, is not a farce but a criminal destruction of social justice. The introspection by the mainstream Left, is far too inadequate to check this rampage not only against the poor but also against all democratic institutions and norms that the people of West Bengal had earned though protracted struggle.
The urgent need is maximum solidarity to fight against this massive destruction looming large in rural West Bengal by uniting all democratic forces, the demand of which is clearly raised in the high percentages of polling defying the violence and terror unleashed by hegemonic power.
The Birbhum district president of the Trinamul Congress, Anubrata Mondol, for example, urged his supporters from a public meeting not to allow the opposition to field candidates (Anandabazar Patrika, June 3, 2013). He also called upon his supporters to hurl “bombs at the police if they try to protect the Trinamul dissenters”. Another Trinamul leader, actor turned member of Parliament, Tapas Paul, could not restrain himself from advising with dramatic fury his supporters to teach the supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M) a lesson: “jutiye lamba kore din… keliye soja kore din” (“beat sense into them with your shoes…straighten them out with a thrashing”). Another Trinamul leader, Monirul Islam has threatened to behead a Congress leader. These are a thin sample of the mounds of terrorising statements that have been made by the leaders of the ruling party on many occasions in the recent times.
The results of such calls for “partisan cleansing” are clearly evident. In about 14% of the constituencies, the Trinamul Congress won uncontested as the opposition could not even nominate its candidates, denying the people their right to choose. People in many of the constituencies were either not allowed to vote or were coerced to vote for the ruling party.
It certainly is a cause for concern that the state which had added meaning to Panchayati Raj by holding regular elections since 1978 without a hitch, had to now invoke judicial intervention to complete the electoral process.
But, are these gross violations of democratic rights something absolutely unknown to West Bengal? Was democracy completely safe during the Left rule? How was it in the Panchayat elections in 2003, that 7000 seats were won uncontested? Why, despite a positive move in the 1980s towards strengthening the local governments through decentralised planning and implementations, the state government followed a reverse track, turning the Panchayats into mere local level bureaucratic accessories? These are few questions people are asking in the air.
The Questions:
It was perhaps the very collapse of the movement for decentralisation, a positive political action towards empowering the people at grass root level, which led to the nurturing of a culture of political absolutism in the state.
One wonders how despite growing inequality between classes – which is an all-India phenomenon in the time of neoliberal capitalism – the Left maintained its regime in West Bengal undefeated for three and half decades.
Does the Left truly ignored the poor at both political and societal levels, where not enough opportunities were created for them to take part in their own capability building? Is it true that did not create enough opportunities for education for all even after three decades of uninterrupted rule?
Studies show that it is the poor, constituted mainly of dalits, adivasis and Muslims, who face the most severe discriminations in education and health. This neglect resulted in discontinuing the process of decentralised planning, though it was initiated as a pioneering pro-people movement in the 1980s in the then Medinipur district. Ajit Narayan Bose, who played a key role in designing this movement, points at the socio-political factors responsible for the collapse of this movement in West Bengal:
…absolute lack of response … by any Zilla Parishad outside Midnapore to implement this programme of village planning by villagers. It appears that it is not possible for either the potential "Trustees" or the existing party leadership to be enthusiastic about enabling the villagers to prepare their own plan. … The extent of elitism as manifested in the disbelief in the ability of the rural poor for self-reliant activities appears to be very deep among leaders of all political parties whether in power or striving to be in power. This disbelief may be the basis of their ‘bad faith’ that unless they remain perpetually in power the interests of the poor cannot be served.
Are these true?
(a) growing impoverishment among rural population reflected in the increased share of agricultural labourers among the workers (b) reversal of land reform that was reported in the West Bengal Human Development Report, responsible for preventing the rural surplus from getting re-invested, and (c) large number of outmigration of the rural youth in search of employment.
In search of Lesson:
The Panchayat polls of 2013 offers a major lesson not just for the Left Front, but all concerned with political activism. It is the existence of an opposition that guarantees the life of a body polity, and a pursuit of absolutist domination can only invite a tragic destruction.
The main aim of the local Trinamul Congress leaders is not just establishing absolute control, which the Left also had attempted earlier, but to wage a war against the working classes. TMC leaders are openly threatening in various public meetings that the land reforms programme of the Left was an “absolute misdeed” and they would “right the wrong by giving back the lands to the original owners”.
Trinamul’s absolutism is a ferocious attempt of fuelling class hatred of the rural elites against the poor. The repeat of history, in this case, is not a farce but a criminal destruction of social justice. The introspection by the mainstream Left, is far too inadequate to check this rampage not only against the poor but also against all democratic institutions and norms that the people of West Bengal had earned though protracted struggle.
The urgent need is maximum solidarity to fight against this massive destruction looming large in rural West Bengal by uniting all democratic forces, the demand of which is clearly raised in the high percentages of polling defying the violence and terror unleashed by hegemonic power.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Golokpati Barui, a polling agent of the CPI candidate for Salepur gram panchayat in Arambagh, had been kidnapped from the booth around 8am by suspected Trinamul activists.......
The Telegraph today, 16th July, 2013 reported .......
.....Golokpati Barui, a polling agent of the CPI candidate for Salepur gram panchayat in Arambagh, had been kidnapped from the booth around 8am by suspected Trinamul activists.......
Three persons were killed in clashes in the second phase of the panchayat polls in Bengal on Monday. The following ../images capture the rage and the fear that marked the polling day in some blocks. Pictures by Maidul Islam Khan
the candidate, under the bridge A bonti ( slicer) in hand, Sudipta Barui and a group of women armed with bamboo sticks headed towards a polling booth in Hooghly.
Word had spread that Sudipta's husband Golokpati Barui, a polling agent of the CPI candidate for Salepur gram panchayat in Arambagh, had been kidnapped from the booth around 8am by suspected Trinamul activists.
Sudipta initially ran to the policemen near the booth and requested them to rescue her husband. But, she alleged, the police did not offer her any help.
The police usually get involved only if a written complaint is made at the local station, which Sudipta could not do in her state of panic.
Sudipta returned home and informed her neighbours that her husband was missing. Soon, nearly 20 women from Salepur ran to the polling centre, a school 1km from the village. The group burst into the school and Sudipta confronted the police guards.
By then, subdivisional police officer Shibaprasad Patra and another senior official had arrived with central forces and policewomen. At one point, a central police jawan's baton was seen locked with the bonti . The policewomen then wielded the baton and the women fled. The policewomen chased them for quite some distance and picked up four.
Sudipta was not among those held.
Soon after, Sudipta's husband Golokpati was freed — probably because of the storm kicked up by the women outside the booth, the news of which had spread across the block.
Golokpati said on Monday evening: " I was dragged from the booth by Trinamul supporters to the banks of the Damodar river ( around 3km from the village).
They beat me up with sticks. Then they released me." The Trinamul MLA from Arambagh, Krishna Chandra Santra, said his party had had nothing to do with the alleged abduction.
Reporting by Uttam Dutta.
.....Golokpati Barui, a polling agent of the CPI candidate for Salepur gram panchayat in Arambagh, had been kidnapped from the booth around 8am by suspected Trinamul activists.......
Three persons were killed in clashes in the second phase of the panchayat polls in Bengal on Monday. The following ../images capture the rage and the fear that marked the polling day in some blocks. Pictures by Maidul Islam Khan
the candidate, under the bridge A bonti ( slicer) in hand, Sudipta Barui and a group of women armed with bamboo sticks headed towards a polling booth in Hooghly.
Word had spread that Sudipta's husband Golokpati Barui, a polling agent of the CPI candidate for Salepur gram panchayat in Arambagh, had been kidnapped from the booth around 8am by suspected Trinamul activists.
Sudipta initially ran to the policemen near the booth and requested them to rescue her husband. But, she alleged, the police did not offer her any help.
The police usually get involved only if a written complaint is made at the local station, which Sudipta could not do in her state of panic.
Sudipta returned home and informed her neighbours that her husband was missing. Soon, nearly 20 women from Salepur ran to the polling centre, a school 1km from the village. The group burst into the school and Sudipta confronted the police guards.
By then, subdivisional police officer Shibaprasad Patra and another senior official had arrived with central forces and policewomen. At one point, a central police jawan's baton was seen locked with the bonti . The policewomen then wielded the baton and the women fled. The policewomen chased them for quite some distance and picked up four.
Sudipta was not among those held.
Soon after, Sudipta's husband Golokpati was freed — probably because of the storm kicked up by the women outside the booth, the news of which had spread across the block.
Golokpati said on Monday evening: " I was dragged from the booth by Trinamul supporters to the banks of the Damodar river ( around 3km from the village).
They beat me up with sticks. Then they released me." The Trinamul MLA from Arambagh, Krishna Chandra Santra, said his party had had nothing to do with the alleged abduction.
Reporting by Uttam Dutta.
Friday, June 28, 2013
CPI - Central Office - Press Statement
COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA
Central Office
Ajoy Bhavan, 15, Com. Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi-110002
Telephone: 23232801, 23235058, Fax: 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
Press Statement:
The Secretariat of the Communist Party of India severely condemned the cabinet sub committee’s decision to increase the gas price from $ 4.2 to $ 8.4. This is done only to favour Reliance Gas of Mukhesh Ambani. This is a hundred per cent increase and will have very serious effect on power tariff and prices of fertilizers along with CNG. Petroleum Minister Sri Veerappa Moily is responsible for this surrender of the Government. This will bring windfall profits to some companies like Reliance. This decision goes against the interest of the nation, as price rise will be a chain reaction. CPI demands withdrawal of the decision immediately. CPI and Left will agitate against this decision of the cabinet sub committee.
Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, Ex. MP
General Secretary,
Communist Party of India.
Central Office
Ajoy Bhavan, 15, Com. Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi-110002
Telephone: 23232801, 23235058, Fax: 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
28-06-2013.
Press Statement:
The Secretariat of the Communist Party of India severely condemned the cabinet sub committee’s decision to increase the gas price from $ 4.2 to $ 8.4. This is done only to favour Reliance Gas of Mukhesh Ambani. This is a hundred per cent increase and will have very serious effect on power tariff and prices of fertilizers along with CNG. Petroleum Minister Sri Veerappa Moily is responsible for this surrender of the Government. This will bring windfall profits to some companies like Reliance. This decision goes against the interest of the nation, as price rise will be a chain reaction. CPI demands withdrawal of the decision immediately. CPI and Left will agitate against this decision of the cabinet sub committee.
Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, Ex. MP
General Secretary,
Communist Party of India.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
CPI leader A.B. Bardhan on a non-Congress non-BJP coalition
In a written statement, veteran CPI leader A.B. Bardhan said, “Only a non-Congress non-BJP coalition, which pursues credible alternative policies on people’s issues, which steers the country on a Left and democratic course, is the need of the hour. Such a programme-based coalition government can emerge through struggles and may be after the polls. Only such a front can provide a viable alternative to the present dispensation. The Left parties are working towards that end.”
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Poll violence rocks south Bengal
http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/Poll-violence-rocks-south-Bengal/articleshow/20433734.cms
From Times Of India MOBILE
Poll violence rocks south Bengal
Jun 5, 2013, 12.47AM IST TNN
KOLKATA: Violence over filing nominations for panchayat elections continued in south Bengal districts on Tuesday. While a key Congress leader who was to file his nomination for an East Midnapore zilla parishad seat was arrested on a year-old charge early on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress workers prevented a rebel party leader from entering the Midnapore SDO office when he went there to file his nomination as an Independent. Arambag in Hooghly witnessed a clash between rival Trinamool factions while the body of a Trinamool supporter was recovered from a well in Burdwan's Raniganj.
East Midnapore district Congress treasurer Uttam Barik, who was to file his nomination for a zilla parishad seat on Tuesday, was picked up by police from his home at 1.30am. Dinabandhu Naskar, a resident of Kolkata, filed a complaint in Contai police station, accusing Barik of abducting him on July 1 last year and releasing him only after his family paid Rs 27lakh as ransom. In the morning, Congress workers gathered outside Contai police station and blocked roads leading to the local BDO office. Just then, a rally of Trinamool supporters was proceeding towards the Contai SDO office with party candidates who were to file their nominations. A scuffle broke out between the Congress and Trinamool workers.
District Trinamool leader Mahmood Hossain alleged that some of their party workers were beaten up in the scuffle and two of their bikes damaged. RAF personnel dispersed the crowd after a lathicharge. District Congress president Asit Pal alleged that Barik's arrest was politically motivated to prevent him from filing his nomination and that in Contai town, Barik's popularity is no less than Trinamool strongman Subhendu Adhikary's. Congress has nominated Barik for the Deshapran II zilla parishad seat against Trinamool's Mahmood Hossain, the present zilla sahasabhapati. Pal said Hossain will be on slippery ground if Barik contests. Barik was later produced in court and remanded in seven days' police custody. He managed to file his nomination papers before the magistrate but it could not be submitted as the time for filing was over for the day. Barik's papers will be submitted on Wednesday.
In Midnapore town, SDO Amitabha Dutta had to intervene when Trinamool supporters blocked entry of opposition candidates coming to file their nominations in his office. The blockade was particularly staged to prevent rebel Trinamool leader Kochi Tudu from filing as an Independent. Though Dutta's intervention ensured the arrest of two Trinamool workers and dispersal of the rest, Tudu meekly left soon after arrival. His supporters said he feared attacks on himself and his home.
But in Arambag, members of rival Trinamool factions from Goghat filed nominations at the SDO office, albeit after a clash between them in which seven-eight persons sustained serious head injuries. Arambag IC Sukomol Das led a large force to the spot and dispersed the mob after a lathicharge. In Chinsurah, Manuja Bibi, whose husband was allegedly killed in the custody of Dhaniakhali police station, filed her nomination as a Congress candidate from the Joyrambati seat of Somashpur gram panchayat in Dhaniakhali.
In Raniganj, the body of Trinamool supporter Madhai Das, 32, was found in an abandoned well at Narayankuri village. Trinamool supporters allegedly looted a shop owned by CPM candidate Sajen Bauri and ransacked his house and that of another party candidate Ganesh Gorai. Later, CPM supporters retaliated. RAF personnel arrested Ganesh Gorai and Sajen Bauri while police dispersed the mob after a latchicharge. Bapi Mondal, son of Trinamool's Raniganj block president Senapati Mondal, an aide of agriculture minister Moloy Ghatak, was arrested with another partyman.
From Times Of India MOBILE
Poll violence rocks south Bengal
Jun 5, 2013, 12.47AM IST TNN
KOLKATA: Violence over filing nominations for panchayat elections continued in south Bengal districts on Tuesday. While a key Congress leader who was to file his nomination for an East Midnapore zilla parishad seat was arrested on a year-old charge early on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress workers prevented a rebel party leader from entering the Midnapore SDO office when he went there to file his nomination as an Independent. Arambag in Hooghly witnessed a clash between rival Trinamool factions while the body of a Trinamool supporter was recovered from a well in Burdwan's Raniganj.
East Midnapore district Congress treasurer Uttam Barik, who was to file his nomination for a zilla parishad seat on Tuesday, was picked up by police from his home at 1.30am. Dinabandhu Naskar, a resident of Kolkata, filed a complaint in Contai police station, accusing Barik of abducting him on July 1 last year and releasing him only after his family paid Rs 27lakh as ransom. In the morning, Congress workers gathered outside Contai police station and blocked roads leading to the local BDO office. Just then, a rally of Trinamool supporters was proceeding towards the Contai SDO office with party candidates who were to file their nominations. A scuffle broke out between the Congress and Trinamool workers.
District Trinamool leader Mahmood Hossain alleged that some of their party workers were beaten up in the scuffle and two of their bikes damaged. RAF personnel dispersed the crowd after a lathicharge. District Congress president Asit Pal alleged that Barik's arrest was politically motivated to prevent him from filing his nomination and that in Contai town, Barik's popularity is no less than Trinamool strongman Subhendu Adhikary's. Congress has nominated Barik for the Deshapran II zilla parishad seat against Trinamool's Mahmood Hossain, the present zilla sahasabhapati. Pal said Hossain will be on slippery ground if Barik contests. Barik was later produced in court and remanded in seven days' police custody. He managed to file his nomination papers before the magistrate but it could not be submitted as the time for filing was over for the day. Barik's papers will be submitted on Wednesday.
In Midnapore town, SDO Amitabha Dutta had to intervene when Trinamool supporters blocked entry of opposition candidates coming to file their nominations in his office. The blockade was particularly staged to prevent rebel Trinamool leader Kochi Tudu from filing as an Independent. Though Dutta's intervention ensured the arrest of two Trinamool workers and dispersal of the rest, Tudu meekly left soon after arrival. His supporters said he feared attacks on himself and his home.
But in Arambag, members of rival Trinamool factions from Goghat filed nominations at the SDO office, albeit after a clash between them in which seven-eight persons sustained serious head injuries. Arambag IC Sukomol Das led a large force to the spot and dispersed the mob after a lathicharge. In Chinsurah, Manuja Bibi, whose husband was allegedly killed in the custody of Dhaniakhali police station, filed her nomination as a Congress candidate from the Joyrambati seat of Somashpur gram panchayat in Dhaniakhali.
In Raniganj, the body of Trinamool supporter Madhai Das, 32, was found in an abandoned well at Narayankuri village. Trinamool supporters allegedly looted a shop owned by CPM candidate Sajen Bauri and ransacked his house and that of another party candidate Ganesh Gorai. Later, CPM supporters retaliated. RAF personnel arrested Ganesh Gorai and Sajen Bauri while police dispersed the mob after a latchicharge. Bapi Mondal, son of Trinamool's Raniganj block president Senapati Mondal, an aide of agriculture minister Moloy Ghatak, was arrested with another partyman.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Noted filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh passed away
Noted filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh died of cardiac arrest on Thursday at his south Kolkata residence.
Winner of 12 national and some international awards, Ghosh was suffering from pancreatitis and died of heart attack at 7.30 am, his family said.
Ghosh shot to fame with a children’s film directed by him ‘Hirer Angti’ in 1994. His film ‘Unishe April’ won the national award in 1995.
His other widely acclaimed films include ‘Dahan’, ’Asukh’, ‘Chokher Bali’, ‘Raincoat’, ‘Bariwali’, ‘Antarmahal’ and ‘Noukadubi’.
Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee deeply mourned Ghosh’s death, saying, “I cannot believe that Rituparna is no more. It is very difficult to accept this news. We lost a very promising film director at a very early age.”
Many film actors and actresses thronged his residence to pay their last respects.
Renowned artist Soumitra Chatterjee, said the news came as a great shock to him.
“He was a great genius and the void left after his death cannot be easily filled,” the actor said.
Raima Sen, grand daughter of legendary Suchitra Sen, said she was indebted to “Rituda” to give the turning point in her career.
“Rituda gave me a break with the film ’Chokher Bali’. He was more than a director to me; he was almost a part of our family. He was an unmeasurable genius,” she said.
Fellow national award-winning director Kaushik Ganguly said he was left shattered by the news.
Similar was the reaction of theatre personality Kaushik Sen who said, “He was supposed to come to watch my next production. It was a great loss.”
Panchayat Election Incidents of violence reported from districts
On Day 1 of filing nominations, allegations galore in West Bengal
A report from The Hindu 30/5/2013
Incidents of violence reported from districts such as Bardhaman, Bankura, South 24 Parganas and Howrah
The filing of nomination papers for rural polls in the nine districts of West Bengal that go to polls in the first phase on July 2 started on Wednesday amid complaints from the Left Front and the Congress that their candidates were prevented from collecting and filing their nomination papers by Trinamool Congress activists.
There were reports of violence from districts such as Bardhaman, Bankura, South 24 Parganas and Howrah, where prospective candidates were reportedly intimidated and, at certain places, attacked. “We had repeatedly urged the State Election Commission to ensure necessary security for a free and fair election. With the election panel not having made enough security arrangements so far and a section of administration being partisan to the ruling party, the entire democratic process of election is in jeopardy,” a statement issued by State Left Front Committee chairperson Biman Bose said. Meanwhile, a State Congress delegation met Governor M.K. Narayanan and alleged that Trinamool was not allowing their party candidates file nomination papers. “Despite the presence of State police, the Trinamool Congress is trying to create trouble at various places,” State Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya said.
Trinamool scared
Alleging that security forces were virtually absent in various parts of the districts going to polls, Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretariat member Rabin Deb said the administration had not provided any security to Left Front candidates. Trinamool, he said, was scared of its shrinking support base and had realised that its victory was not possible unless it resorted to attacking Left Front candidates.
SEC seeks report
The State Election Commission has sought a report from the district administrations of Bardhaman and Bankuraon the incidents of attacks on the Opposition’s candidates.
A report from The Hindu 30/5/2013
Incidents of violence reported from districts such as Bardhaman, Bankura, South 24 Parganas and Howrah
The filing of nomination papers for rural polls in the nine districts of West Bengal that go to polls in the first phase on July 2 started on Wednesday amid complaints from the Left Front and the Congress that their candidates were prevented from collecting and filing their nomination papers by Trinamool Congress activists.
There were reports of violence from districts such as Bardhaman, Bankura, South 24 Parganas and Howrah, where prospective candidates were reportedly intimidated and, at certain places, attacked. “We had repeatedly urged the State Election Commission to ensure necessary security for a free and fair election. With the election panel not having made enough security arrangements so far and a section of administration being partisan to the ruling party, the entire democratic process of election is in jeopardy,” a statement issued by State Left Front Committee chairperson Biman Bose said. Meanwhile, a State Congress delegation met Governor M.K. Narayanan and alleged that Trinamool was not allowing their party candidates file nomination papers. “Despite the presence of State police, the Trinamool Congress is trying to create trouble at various places,” State Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya said.
Trinamool scared
Alleging that security forces were virtually absent in various parts of the districts going to polls, Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretariat member Rabin Deb said the administration had not provided any security to Left Front candidates. Trinamool, he said, was scared of its shrinking support base and had realised that its victory was not possible unless it resorted to attacking Left Front candidates.
SEC seeks report
The State Election Commission has sought a report from the district administrations of Bardhaman and Bankuraon the incidents of attacks on the Opposition’s candidates.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Kerala - Posco and other news
CBI should investigate land deals, says CPI
Kerala - PATHANAMTHITTA, May 23, 2013
The Communist Party of India has demanded a comprehensive probe into the alleged amassing of land in Pathanamthitta district by a Congress MLA in Goa and the alleged role of the Congress leaders in the land deal.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, P. Prasad, CPI district secretary, stressed the need for a detailed inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the huge land purchases, including plantations, in Karnataka and Kerala made by two people’s representatives in the district belonging to the Congress.
Mr. Prasad said it was of utmost importance to conduct a just and fair investigation into the land purchases and the alleged ‘benami’ deals made by various Congress leaders, including people’s representatives.
It was of prime importance to expose the “source as well as the outflow of the hefty graft money for supporting all sorts of illegal and unlawful activities taking place in the name of the controversial Aranmula airport project,” the CPI leader said.
Mr. Prasad alleged that there was every reason to suspect the Goa connections of the Congress people’s representatives from the district who had been vehemently supporting the violations taking place in the name of the proposed private airport project.
He alleged that the Congress was a playing arm-twisting tactics by transferring officials of high integrity from the Revenue Department. Two officials, former District Collector V.N. Jithendran and Deputy Collector A. Abdul Samad, were shifted for acting against vested interests, he said.
May 13
CPI CONDEMNS ARREST OF ANTI-POSCO MOVEMENT LEADER ABHAY SAHU AND DEMANDS HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Com. Abhay Sahu, Leader of Anti-Posco movement and member of the N.C. of the Party has been arrested today at Bhubaneswar Airport while he was on his way to Kozhikode (Kerala State) to attend the State Conference of All India Youth Federation (AIYF). He has been arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Cr. P.C.
Communist Party of India strongly condemns the arrest of Com. Abhay Sahu and demands his immediate release and withdrawal of the false charges.
TOI 18 May 2013,14:24 IST
CPI national leader A B Bardan said his party was not line with the TRS although it supported a separate Telanganna state. Bardan was taking took part in a party meeting attended by senior leaders Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy and K Narayana.
TOI 16 Apr 2011,19:13 IST
Senior CPI leader, freedom-fighter and Marxist ideologue Prabhu Narayan Rai died after protracted illness at his native village at Gauripur in Bhagalpur district today. He was 98. Rai was MLA from Bihpur assembly constituency in North Bhagalpur between 1957 and 1962, in 1969 and also between 1972 and 1977.
Kerala - PATHANAMTHITTA, May 23, 2013
The Communist Party of India has demanded a comprehensive probe into the alleged amassing of land in Pathanamthitta district by a Congress MLA in Goa and the alleged role of the Congress leaders in the land deal.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, P. Prasad, CPI district secretary, stressed the need for a detailed inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the huge land purchases, including plantations, in Karnataka and Kerala made by two people’s representatives in the district belonging to the Congress.
Mr. Prasad said it was of utmost importance to conduct a just and fair investigation into the land purchases and the alleged ‘benami’ deals made by various Congress leaders, including people’s representatives.
It was of prime importance to expose the “source as well as the outflow of the hefty graft money for supporting all sorts of illegal and unlawful activities taking place in the name of the controversial Aranmula airport project,” the CPI leader said.
Mr. Prasad alleged that there was every reason to suspect the Goa connections of the Congress people’s representatives from the district who had been vehemently supporting the violations taking place in the name of the proposed private airport project.
He alleged that the Congress was a playing arm-twisting tactics by transferring officials of high integrity from the Revenue Department. Two officials, former District Collector V.N. Jithendran and Deputy Collector A. Abdul Samad, were shifted for acting against vested interests, he said.
May 13
CPI CONDEMNS ARREST OF ANTI-POSCO MOVEMENT LEADER ABHAY SAHU AND DEMANDS HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Com. Abhay Sahu, Leader of Anti-Posco movement and member of the N.C. of the Party has been arrested today at Bhubaneswar Airport while he was on his way to Kozhikode (Kerala State) to attend the State Conference of All India Youth Federation (AIYF). He has been arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Cr. P.C.
Communist Party of India strongly condemns the arrest of Com. Abhay Sahu and demands his immediate release and withdrawal of the false charges.
TOI 18 May 2013,14:24 IST
CPI national leader A B Bardan said his party was not line with the TRS although it supported a separate Telanganna state. Bardan was taking took part in a party meeting attended by senior leaders Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy and K Narayana.
TOI 16 Apr 2011,19:13 IST
Senior CPI leader, freedom-fighter and Marxist ideologue Prabhu Narayan Rai died after protracted illness at his native village at Gauripur in Bhagalpur district today. He was 98. Rai was MLA from Bihpur assembly constituency in North Bhagalpur between 1957 and 1962, in 1969 and also between 1972 and 1977.
Monday, May 20, 2013
URGENT message to Communist Party of Bangladesh
Central Office, Ajoy Bhavan, New Delhi-110002
Tel: 23235546, 23235058, Fax 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
6th May 2013
To
The Central Committee
Communist Party of Bangladesh
The CPI strongly condemns the attacks on CPB office on 5th May by the Islamic fundamentalist group known as Hefajte Islam.
It seems that certain forces have not yet accepted the reality of modern secular Bangladesh. They are also trying to whitewash the heroic freedom struggle of seventy-one. These religious fundamentalist groups are attempting to drag back the onward march of the history and the heroic role of CPB.
While expressing its total support and solidarity with the Communist Party of Bangladesh for their present struggles against all kinds of fundamentalist forces, the CPI demands that all those behind the attack on CPB office should be booked and punished appropriately.
National Executive
Communist Party of India
Tel: 23235546, 23235058, Fax 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
6th May 2013
To
The Central Committee
Communist Party of Bangladesh
The CPI strongly condemns the attacks on CPB office on 5th May by the Islamic fundamentalist group known as Hefajte Islam.
It seems that certain forces have not yet accepted the reality of modern secular Bangladesh. They are also trying to whitewash the heroic freedom struggle of seventy-one. These religious fundamentalist groups are attempting to drag back the onward march of the history and the heroic role of CPB.
While expressing its total support and solidarity with the Communist Party of Bangladesh for their present struggles against all kinds of fundamentalist forces, the CPI demands that all those behind the attack on CPB office should be booked and punished appropriately.
National Executive
Communist Party of India
Hindi Central Party School for Student Cadres
COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA
Central Office
Ajoy Bhavan, 15, Com. Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi-110002
Telephone: 23232801, 23235058, Fax: 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
CPS/Circular No.50 / 2013
New Delhi
Dated : 13th May 2013
Circular
To,
All State Councils, CPI
Party Education Incharges
Incharges, Student Front
Sub: Hindi Central Party School for Student Cadres
(21-28 June 2013, New Delhi)
Dear Comrades,
Kindly note that the Central Party School for cadres working on student front will be held from 21 to 28 June 2013, in Ajoy Bhavan, New Delhi.
The following is the State wise quota:
Punjab – 3+2 (Girl Students) Orissa-3+1
Rajasthan-2+1 Karnataka-1+1
Himachal Pradesh-2+1 Andhra Pradesh-1+1
Jammu & Kashmir-2+1 Delhi-3+1
Haryana-3+2 Madhya Pradesh-1+1
Chattisgarh-3+2 West Bengal-2+1 Bihar-5+2 Gujarat-2+1
Maharashtra-3+1 Goa-1+1
Uttarakhand-2+1 Jharkhand-2+1
The Participants must be Party Members who have attended Party Schools at State level/District level in the past. They must reach Delhi by the evening of 20th June 2013 with proper introduction letter from the State Education Department Secretary/Party Secretary.
With greetings,
Yours Comradely,
(D.RAJA)
Secretary
Central Office
Ajoy Bhavan, 15, Com. Indrajit Gupta Marg, New Delhi-110002
Telephone: 23232801, 23235058, Fax: 23235543, Email: cpiofindia@gmail.com
CPS/Circular No.50 / 2013
New Delhi
Dated : 13th May 2013
Circular
To,
All State Councils, CPI
Party Education Incharges
Incharges, Student Front
Sub: Hindi Central Party School for Student Cadres
(21-28 June 2013, New Delhi)
Dear Comrades,
Kindly note that the Central Party School for cadres working on student front will be held from 21 to 28 June 2013, in Ajoy Bhavan, New Delhi.
The following is the State wise quota:
Punjab – 3+2 (Girl Students) Orissa-3+1
Rajasthan-2+1 Karnataka-1+1
Himachal Pradesh-2+1 Andhra Pradesh-1+1
Jammu & Kashmir-2+1 Delhi-3+1
Haryana-3+2 Madhya Pradesh-1+1
Chattisgarh-3+2 West Bengal-2+1 Bihar-5+2 Gujarat-2+1
Maharashtra-3+1 Goa-1+1
Uttarakhand-2+1 Jharkhand-2+1
The Participants must be Party Members who have attended Party Schools at State level/District level in the past. They must reach Delhi by the evening of 20th June 2013 with proper introduction letter from the State Education Department Secretary/Party Secretary.
With greetings,
Yours Comradely,
(D.RAJA)
Secretary
Monday, May 06, 2013
Report of 20-21 February, 2013 - Bharat Bandh
AITUC, CITU, INTUC and more than 10 central trade unions called a nationwide Hartal against the policies of Central Government. Here is a report...
...a look at the response to the bandh across the country:
Noida: Bandh turns violent, protesters torch vehicles.
A two-day all-India industrial shutdown turned violent Wednesday as mobs of workers attacked factories that were open and set fire to vehicles of their owners as well as fire tenders.
At least one factory complex was also torched, officials and witnesses said.
CPIM leader Brinda Karat said that while she did not condone the Noida violence, it was a sign that the government needed to care for workers.
“I am not justifying the violence in Noida. But you need to investigate first before blaming anyone,” she told IBN7.
The finance ministry issued a statement urging government bank employees not to join the strike. Reuters
The finance ministry also issued a statement urging government bank employees not to join the strike.
Reuters
Ambala: Railways worker killed
Narender Singh, the treasurer of a AITUC union was stabbed to death near the Ambala bus stand by some miscreants who wanted to take out buses from the depot despite the strike,” AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said in New Delhi.
However other reports said that the Haryana Roadways employee was killed when he was crushed by a bus following a confusion called over the trade union strike.
Kerala: Near complete shutdown
The 48-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions badly hit normal life across Kerala today with workers from varied sectors, including transport and banking, staying away from work to protest the UPA government’s economic and labour policies.
Early reports said buses and taxis were off the roads and shops and restaurants remained closed. Train services were not affected.
Emergency services like health care, milk supply and media have been exempted from the strike, AITUC leader Kanam Rajendran said.
Odisha, Patna: Trains halted
According to CNN-IBN reports there have been protests at the Patna Railway station by striking workers. Protestors in Odisha also stopped trains during demonstrations.
Thousands of people were stranded across Bihar as trains were stopped and key highways blocked by activists affiliated to various trade unions that have called for a nationwide two-day strike.
Workers of trade unions stopped nearly a dozen passenger and long-distance trains at Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Hajipur, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga railway stations.
Uttar Pradesh: Buses ply without conductors
NDTV reports that state owned buses in the state are operating without conductors who are participating in the strike. How they’re collecting fares is a little bit of a mystery. Auto-rickshaws have remained off the road.
Karnataka: Mixed response to bandh
Barring stray incidents of stone pelting in Bellary, the nationwide strike called by 11 trade unions in support of their demands evoked a mixed response across Karnataka.
Sources said some persons pelted stones at some buses and blocked roads in Bellary while normal life was hit in Koppal, with buses, autorickshaws and other transport off the roads, officials said.
In Bangalore, no untoward incidents were reported. Shops and educational institutes remained closed, while state transport services operated lesser number of buses. Autos were off roads and there was no disruption in train services.
West Bengal: Despite Didi’s warning, state sees near shutdown
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws largely kept off the roads and many people stayed indoors in Kolkata and other districts of West
Bengal on Wednesday, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warning shops and markets to remain open or face administrative action.
Flight services were normal and trains plied despite minor disruptions.
Left-ruled Tripura grinds to a halt
Most markets, shops and business establishments, government offices, educational institutions, banks and financial institutions were shut. Roads were deserted and rail services between Tripura and the rest of the country were also affected.
However, air services on the Agartala-Kolkata and Agartala-Guwahati routes have been operating normally, an Agartala airport official told IANS.
Buses between Tripura and Bangladesh and other northeastern states were also hit.
Haryana: Bharat bandh claims first life, as trade union leader killed in Ambala
Narender Singh, the treasurer of a AITUC union was stabbed to death near the Ambala bus stand by some miscreants who wanted to take out buses from the depot despite the strike,” AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said in New Delhi.
However other reports said that the Haryana Roadways employee was killed when he was crushed by a bus following a confusion called over the trade union strike.
Jaipur: Public transport, banking affected
Public transport and banking were affected in the Rajasthan capital Wednesday on the first day of the two-day countrywide strike called by various unions protesting the government’s alleged anti-people and anti-labour policies and inability to control price rise.
Though schools and colleges were open in the city, attendance of students was thin as buses and autorickshaws stayed off the roads.
Rajasthan: Banking, mines and trains crippled
Government and private sector banks remained shut in Ranchi and other parts of the state. Mining activities in Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) were affected.
“There is a partial impact on coal production in some collieries. In many collieries, production is normal. Coal transportation has been affected partially,” Deepak Kumar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CCL told IANS.
According to a BCCL official, coal production has been affected in some collieries and the worst affected area of work is coal transportation.
Trains were stopped in Dhanbad, Bokaro and other parts of the state by supporters of the strike.
The worst affected sector was banking. Besides government banks, even private ones were shut.
...a look at the response to the bandh across the country:
Noida: Bandh turns violent, protesters torch vehicles.
A two-day all-India industrial shutdown turned violent Wednesday as mobs of workers attacked factories that were open and set fire to vehicles of their owners as well as fire tenders.
At least one factory complex was also torched, officials and witnesses said.
CPIM leader Brinda Karat said that while she did not condone the Noida violence, it was a sign that the government needed to care for workers.
“I am not justifying the violence in Noida. But you need to investigate first before blaming anyone,” she told IBN7.
The finance ministry issued a statement urging government bank employees not to join the strike. Reuters
The finance ministry also issued a statement urging government bank employees not to join the strike.
Reuters
Ambala: Railways worker killed
Narender Singh, the treasurer of a AITUC union was stabbed to death near the Ambala bus stand by some miscreants who wanted to take out buses from the depot despite the strike,” AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said in New Delhi.
However other reports said that the Haryana Roadways employee was killed when he was crushed by a bus following a confusion called over the trade union strike.
Kerala: Near complete shutdown
The 48-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions badly hit normal life across Kerala today with workers from varied sectors, including transport and banking, staying away from work to protest the UPA government’s economic and labour policies.
Early reports said buses and taxis were off the roads and shops and restaurants remained closed. Train services were not affected.
Emergency services like health care, milk supply and media have been exempted from the strike, AITUC leader Kanam Rajendran said.
Odisha, Patna: Trains halted
According to CNN-IBN reports there have been protests at the Patna Railway station by striking workers. Protestors in Odisha also stopped trains during demonstrations.
Thousands of people were stranded across Bihar as trains were stopped and key highways blocked by activists affiliated to various trade unions that have called for a nationwide two-day strike.
Workers of trade unions stopped nearly a dozen passenger and long-distance trains at Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Hajipur, Bhagalpur and Darbhanga railway stations.
Uttar Pradesh: Buses ply without conductors
NDTV reports that state owned buses in the state are operating without conductors who are participating in the strike. How they’re collecting fares is a little bit of a mystery. Auto-rickshaws have remained off the road.
Karnataka: Mixed response to bandh
Barring stray incidents of stone pelting in Bellary, the nationwide strike called by 11 trade unions in support of their demands evoked a mixed response across Karnataka.
Sources said some persons pelted stones at some buses and blocked roads in Bellary while normal life was hit in Koppal, with buses, autorickshaws and other transport off the roads, officials said.
In Bangalore, no untoward incidents were reported. Shops and educational institutes remained closed, while state transport services operated lesser number of buses. Autos were off roads and there was no disruption in train services.
West Bengal: Despite Didi’s warning, state sees near shutdown
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws largely kept off the roads and many people stayed indoors in Kolkata and other districts of West
Bengal on Wednesday, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warning shops and markets to remain open or face administrative action.
Flight services were normal and trains plied despite minor disruptions.
Left-ruled Tripura grinds to a halt
Most markets, shops and business establishments, government offices, educational institutions, banks and financial institutions were shut. Roads were deserted and rail services between Tripura and the rest of the country were also affected.
However, air services on the Agartala-Kolkata and Agartala-Guwahati routes have been operating normally, an Agartala airport official told IANS.
Buses between Tripura and Bangladesh and other northeastern states were also hit.
Haryana: Bharat bandh claims first life, as trade union leader killed in Ambala
Narender Singh, the treasurer of a AITUC union was stabbed to death near the Ambala bus stand by some miscreants who wanted to take out buses from the depot despite the strike,” AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said in New Delhi.
However other reports said that the Haryana Roadways employee was killed when he was crushed by a bus following a confusion called over the trade union strike.
Jaipur: Public transport, banking affected
Public transport and banking were affected in the Rajasthan capital Wednesday on the first day of the two-day countrywide strike called by various unions protesting the government’s alleged anti-people and anti-labour policies and inability to control price rise.
Though schools and colleges were open in the city, attendance of students was thin as buses and autorickshaws stayed off the roads.
Rajasthan: Banking, mines and trains crippled
Government and private sector banks remained shut in Ranchi and other parts of the state. Mining activities in Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) were affected.
“There is a partial impact on coal production in some collieries. In many collieries, production is normal. Coal transportation has been affected partially,” Deepak Kumar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CCL told IANS.
According to a BCCL official, coal production has been affected in some collieries and the worst affected area of work is coal transportation.
Trains were stopped in Dhanbad, Bokaro and other parts of the state by supporters of the strike.
The worst affected sector was banking. Besides government banks, even private ones were shut.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Left working on forming alternative to Congress, BJP: Bardhan The Hindu. PATNA, April 29, 2013
Left working on forming alternative to Congress, BJP: Bardhan
The Hindu. PATNA, April 29, 2013
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/left-working-on-forming-alternative-to-congress-bjp-bardhan/article4663903.ece
‘We will discuss with parties who are not with the Congress, BJP’
Left parties aim to form an alternative to the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next Lok Sabha elections, Communist Party of India leader A.B. Bardhan said at a press conference here on Sunday.
“We have decided our tactics to strengthen Left unity and democratic groups who are willing to fight the United Progressive Alliance and the National Democratic Alliance based on a common programme,” he said.
The composition of a new alternative would depend on the number of seats won by the AIADMK, Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal and H.D. Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal (Secular).
After the CPI’s three-day executive meeting that ended on Sunday, the party decided to contest 12 or 13 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. “We will declare the seats after consultations with our Left partners so that they don’t clash. Our attempt will be to defeat the UPA and NDA,” Mr. Bardhan said.
The party also decided to launch a campaign to raise the issues of the people in Bihar. It will stage a rally in Patna on October 25 for the implementation of the D. Bandyopadhyay Committee recommendations on land reforms, against privatisation of education, issue of teachers’ appointments, food security, issues related to drought and floods, and for guarding the democratic rights of protests.
In the light of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s affidavit in the Supreme Court on the coal scam, Mr. Bardhan said, it “should be independent and autonomous and not be a tool in the hands of the Congress.” The CPI would not demand the PM’s resignation. “The resignation is not an issue, the issue is CBI’s independence,” he said.
Asked about the Chinese incursion, Mr. Bardhan said, “It is not a big issue. It should be resolved through negotiations.”
He criticised the frenzy of speculation around whether Narendra Modi would be declared a prime ministerial candidate. “His name is being cited again and again as if the BJP is going to win. This is useless political action. It is not that if the candidate is declared the party will win,” he said.
The Hindu. PATNA, April 29, 2013
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/left-working-on-forming-alternative-to-congress-bjp-bardhan/article4663903.ece‘We will discuss with parties who are not with the Congress, BJP’
Left parties aim to form an alternative to the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next Lok Sabha elections, Communist Party of India leader A.B. Bardhan said at a press conference here on Sunday.
“We have decided our tactics to strengthen Left unity and democratic groups who are willing to fight the United Progressive Alliance and the National Democratic Alliance based on a common programme,” he said.
The composition of a new alternative would depend on the number of seats won by the AIADMK, Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal and H.D. Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal (Secular).
After the CPI’s three-day executive meeting that ended on Sunday, the party decided to contest 12 or 13 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. “We will declare the seats after consultations with our Left partners so that they don’t clash. Our attempt will be to defeat the UPA and NDA,” Mr. Bardhan said.
The party also decided to launch a campaign to raise the issues of the people in Bihar. It will stage a rally in Patna on October 25 for the implementation of the D. Bandyopadhyay Committee recommendations on land reforms, against privatisation of education, issue of teachers’ appointments, food security, issues related to drought and floods, and for guarding the democratic rights of protests.
In the light of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s affidavit in the Supreme Court on the coal scam, Mr. Bardhan said, it “should be independent and autonomous and not be a tool in the hands of the Congress.” The CPI would not demand the PM’s resignation. “The resignation is not an issue, the issue is CBI’s independence,” he said.
Asked about the Chinese incursion, Mr. Bardhan said, “It is not a big issue. It should be resolved through negotiations.”
He criticised the frenzy of speculation around whether Narendra Modi would be declared a prime ministerial candidate. “His name is being cited again and again as if the BJP is going to win. This is useless political action. It is not that if the candidate is declared the party will win,” he said.
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Dooars Tea Garden - Facts and Figures
Year wise number of tea estates and month wise
production in 1998
Year
|
No of Tea Estates
|
Monthwise
production of
Tea during 1998 (quantity in thousand kgs.) |
|
1961
|
155
|
Jan
|
1651
|
1971
|
151
|
Feb
|
255
|
1981
|
154
|
Mar
|
7352
|
1988
|
162
|
Apr
|
13224
|
1993
|
163
|
May
|
11683
|
1994
|
168
|
Jun
|
16251
|
1995
|
168
|
Jul
|
16207
|
1996
|
191
|
Aug
|
14949
|
1997
|
191
|
Sep
|
20545
|
1998
|
423
|
Oct
|
12253
|
1999
|
532
|
Nov
|
17150
|
Dec
|
15613
|
||
Total
|
147133
|
Estimated
Total Number of Labour on Roll as on 31st December of each year
Outside
|
Estimated no.
of bonafide dependents of resident workers on roll as on 31st December of the years. |
||||
Year
|
Resident
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Total
|
|
1996
|
167157
|
4953
|
14923
|
189033
|
266724
|
1997
|
165200
|
4608
|
15311
|
185119
|
240980
|
1998
|
167017
|
4652
|
15479
|
187148
|
243630
|
Estimated
average Daily Number of Labour Employed in Tea Plantation
Year
|
No
of Workers
|
1980
|
149571
|
1981
|
146536
|
1982
|
147680
|
1988
|
167231
|
1993
|
160693
|
1994
|
160521
|
1995
|
160085
|
1996
|
159891
|
1997
|
159378
|
1998
|
161176
|
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