Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Towards 22nd Party Congress

Reports on Organisational Re-activization & Political Re-Orientation

(Reports adopted by CPI National Council in its Special Session from September 19 to 21,2014 at Delhi)

COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA

Published by S. Sudhakar Reddy on behalf of Communist Party of India, Ajoy Bhavan, 15, Com. Indrajit Gupta Marg (Kotla Road), New Delhi- 110002.

Introduction

The result of the general elections to the Lok Sabha brought a change of government. Mr. Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister and the BJP heading the government is not just change of government. It is more than that, having deeper impact on the polity of the nation. RSS and its outfits have become aggressive, influencing the policies of the government and infiltrating into the state apparatus. The right wing demagogy is in full play to manipulate the public opinion while the government designs everything possible to serve the interests of the crony capitalism. At this critical time, the Left has become weak in Parliament. But history calls upon the Left to rejuvenate and take up the challenges. The CPI in particular has to play a role to shape the course of development, learning from the people and leading the people into struggles and campaigns. Where to begin? What is to be done? The National Council of the Party held its special session (September 19-21, 2014) and deliberated on how to re-energize the party organization, how to reorient it ideologically and politically and how to make it an effective tool of change in the days to come. The documents which have been adopted by the National Council, will serve as guide for action to the Party at all levels. At the time of holding the Party Conferences and the Party Congress, those deliberations will help the Party Organisation to emerge as a stronger evolutionary organization to serve the nation and the people.

Central Secretariat - CPI

Report on Recent Political - Economic Developments & Suggestions for Political Re-orientation Campaign (Adopted by the National Council Meeting at Delhi from September 19 to 21, 2014)

INTRODUCTION

This Special Session of the National Council of the Communist Party of India is being held as part of the preparation for 22nd Party Congress to be held in March-April 2015. Though the regular Draft Political Resolution and other documents to be deliberated in the party Congress will be prepared in due course, it has been thought appropriate that certain clarity is outlined for a political re-orientation of the party and rejuvenation and re-activisation of the Party Organization during the comprehensive process of holding the party Congress from branch to the national meet. Besides, the new NDA government led by Narendra Modi has completed first hundred days of its existence, hence its performance also need to be assessed.

RECENT POLITICAL-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS:-

Within the first hundred days, the Narendra Modi government has totally bared its agenda on almost all socio-economic fronts. By its acts and intents, it has made it clear that it will more vigorously implement the retrograde nee-liberal economic policies with an emphasis to accord maximum concessions to the corporate houses that helped it to win power. Contrary to the claims of revival of economy, the economic crisis that started with the global melt down in May 2008 is going to deepen further. Despite seasonal fluctuation in the prices, inflation, particularly the consumer inflation continues to be the main worry of the masses who have to face economic hardships due to continuous price rise. BJP that has made the failures of the UPA in curbing the price-rise and corruption main plank of its poll campaign has totally failed to take any steps to curb these menace. At the political level, the Sangh Parivar is intensifying its offensive for communal polarization.

ECONOMY

In place of taking concrete measures like re-amending the Essential Commodities Act to stop hoarding and banning forward trading in vegetables, food grains and other essential commodities attempts are on to pass on the buck on the state governments. There is no more any talk of wiping out corruption or unearthing the black money. Even the SIT on black money that the government claims to its credit has been formed on the instruction of Supreme Court. Government now refuses to disclose the names of those who have stashed away the black money in foreign accounts. Cases of corruption and moral decay involving BJP leaders and their kith and kin are coming to fore. In place of taking measures to recover the bank loans taken by the corporate and termed as non-performing assets (NPA) by banks, government is planning to create a mechanism to write-off all such loans. This will cause havoc to the economy of nationalized banks. Concessions after concessions are being heaped on Corporate as well as Multi-national Corporations (MNCs). While decisions like 49 percent FDI in Defence Sector and 100 per cent in Railway infrastructure have been taken to please MNCs, particularly the American ones. Corporate Houses have been given green signal to take over the national assets of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) through disinvestment. The cabinet committee on Economic affairs approved sale of 5% stake in ONGC, 10% in Coal India, 11.36% in NHPC to realize 43,800 crores of rupees. All profit making PSUs including the Navaratnas are under hammer in Stock Market. At a time when PDS needs to be strengthened in order to ensure right to food the government is taking about rewinding of FCI which will jeopardize food security. Prime Minister has announced abolition of Planning Commission that was instrumental in creating national assets through industrialization via public sector. This is a totally retrograde step. It will adversely affect economy, particularly the weaker sections. Even though there were weaknesses in Planning Commission it has done excellent job in industrialization of the country. It will be replaced with an institution that will have representatives of Corporate Houses and work for promotion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), actually meaning total dismantling of Public sector and opening gates to free market. Moves are on to shower tax concessions on MNCs by abolishing certain levies and changing laws to stop recovery of dues retrospectively. Corporate are being encouraged to take over more and more national assets like coal, gas and oil at throwaway prices. Reliance and Ambani group are the most favorites. After the SC judgement in Coalgate scam terming all allotments since 1993 as illegal, the BJP government has launched a vicious campaign to stop cancellation of these allotments. A bogey is being raised that cancellation of such allotments may have adverse impact on economy particularly the power sector. Media has come out with the facts that it is not just the loss of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore caused by illegal allotments to cronies by successive governments of NDA and UPA, but these allottees have also taken huge bank loans on these allotments that have become NPA. Total loss is estimated to be above Rs. 7 lakh Crore. Moves are on to amend the Land Acquisition Act to satisfy the demands of Corporate houses which goes against the interests of the peasants in the country. As Land is a concurrent subject, the BJP is trying to do it through state governments. Rajasthan BJP government has already amended some of the crucial labour laws and during the last parliament session the Union government has followed the suit. These amendments are meant to empower the employers to implement the policy of hire and fire, weaken unionisation, make registration of unions difficult, encourage contractorisation, casualisation and outsourcing of labour force, allow more and more persons to be recruited as apprentices paying them much less than even minimum wages etc. The amendments to basic labour laws will push substantial size of workers out of the purview of labour laws and snatch away several hard won rights, as more than 50% of industries will be out of purview of factories acts. There is a plan to dilute the MGNREGA scheme by increasing the state share and reducing the wage component.

POLITICAL AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

By getting his most trusted lieutenant Amit Shah appointed as the BJP president, in spite that he is an accused in Sheikh Sohrabuddin- Prajapathi fake encounter case, Narendra Modi has made it abundantly clear that he does not only want concentration of government power in him but also wants to control and manipulate the party organization according to his whims and wishes. Amit Shah, 011 his part had clearly, indicated that his main political weapon will be all out offensive for more and more communal polarization in the country. His team, apart from marginalizing the veterans, reflect adoption of rabid communal elements from various outfits of Sangh Parivar and corrupt politicians like former Karnataka CM B.S. Yedyurappa. Under his leadership, already process of getting convicted criminals out ,on bail as well as bail to police personnel facing serious charges of conducting fake encounter has began. Muzaffarnagar riots main culprit has been provided Z plus security. Released police officers are being reappointed though cases are still pending against them.

Leaders of various Sangh Parivar outfits are every day making provocative and disruptive statements and launching campaign like opposing so-called Love Jihad to hasten the process of communal polarization. During the first hundred days of Modi government, over 700 communal riots and tensions have been witnessed, mostly in the poll bound states of Maharashtra, Haryana and UP (bye-poll to 11 assembly and a parliamentary constituencies). A new wave of harassing the Muslim Youth by implicating them in cooked up cases of terrorist plans has begun once again. The rise of ISIS and attempts of revival of AI-Qaida at international level is being used to unleash this offensive against educated Muslim youth.

Penetration of administration and educational and research institutions by die-hard Sanghis is on. Even judiciary is not being spared. The passage of the law for Judicial Appointment Commission ignoring all opposition may have serious repercussion on independence of Judiciary. Pro or anti-actions in relation to Amit Shah and other BJP leaders facing trial is becoming a criteria for appointment or removal in judiciary. As warned in our last N.C report all powers are being concentrated in the PMO and it seems that Narendra Modi is running a de-facto presidential form of government. The way his own ministers are being treated and monitored may have serious repercussions for the parliamentary democratic system itself. Though murmur has began, but still there are no signs of disillusionment with his leadership, as far as the Party and Sangh Parivar is concerned. Cases of attack and atrocities on women are increasing. Some political leaders including BJP State Ministers, in place of taking steps to curb such cases are making absurd statements justifying heinous crimes like rape. Disenchantment of masses is more visible. The rout faced by the BJP in the bye-elections in Uttarakhand, loosing majority of seats in bye-elections in Bihar and negative results in M.P. and Karnataka reflect the sentiment of disenchantment. The Results in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat are more revealing. Out of 54 bye-poll BJP could retain only 20 of the 36 seats it held previously. People have shown more maturity and rejected communal over tones. Growing economic miseries due to failure of government in curbing price rise and its open and blatant appeasement of Corporate may accentuate the sentiments of disenchantment. This need to be channelized to build mass movements and actions on concrete issues. Congress continues to be in confusion and still hope to get revived through projecting one or the other member of Nehru -Gandhi family. Whatever victories Congress has gained are due to disenchantment with BJP and not restoration of confidence in policies of Congress. Its lukewarm response to several economic and political moves of the government, rather its collaboration on major economic policy issues will get its following further confused. Number of non-Congress and non-BJP parties are trying to curry favours with the Union Government for some populist benefit to their states. Basically, these parties are not averse to the policies of neo-liberalism. RJD-JDU and Congress have come together in Bihar that helped them to wrest six of the ten assembly seats that were at stake. They have announced to continue this alliance and also promote this idea in other states like UP.

The three Left parties - CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML) joined hands for the bye-poll in Bihar. CPI contested one seat and polled more than 20,000 votes in Jale constituency of Madhubani. On other seats where CPI(M) and CPI (M-L) put up candidates, the results were disappointing. On the whole Left polled 5% of the votes. Attempts are on in Maharashtra and Haryana where assembly elections are due by the next month to forge unity among the Left parties and also to have seat adjustment with other Left and secular democratic regional parties.

FOREIGN POLlCY

Though the government so far has concentrated on pursuing the much orchestrated concept of "Look towards the East" policy, from a few of the actions and pronouncements, the impact of American imperialists is quite visible on the foreign policy of the government.

The NDA government took the ridiculous position of neutrality on the barbaric and most inhuman attack of Israel on Gaza strip. It was a betrayal of our traditional policy of support to the struggle of Palestinian people. American top bureaucrats and politicians have become most frequent visitors to Delhi and exerting all types of pressure to extract maximum economic and political benefits under the garb of strategic partnership. The hesitation and secretive approach of the Prime Minister during the BRICS summit in Brazil too reflected this pressure. The bonhomie during the PM's Japan visit and Australian PM's visit to India too has to be seen in the context of American plan of floating an economic and security mechanism in Asia to curb the growing trend of cooperation among regional powers and emerging economies through platforms like BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In relation to Pakistan and other neighbouring countries the attitude of flip-flop may be harmful in the long run. The cancellation of secretaries level talks with Pakistan was not a wise decision, to say the least. It seems that the Narendra Modi government is not much bothered about the independent foreign policy course that had the broad. national consensus.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
The international situation is marred by increasing number of conflicts in different regions. Middle East is in turmoil, there seems to be no end to the growing conflict over Ukraine and several countries in African continent are on boil. It is obvious that the American imperialists and its allies have failed to overcome the economic crisis that started in 2008 and now the only hope for them is to revive their Military-Industrial Complex by promoting all sorts of regional conflicts among neighbours as well as within the countries. The rise of orthodoxically extremist and more brutally militant ISIS, yet another outfit like AI-Qaeda sponsored by the American intelligence agencies and MOSSAD of Israel has pushed almost all the Arab countries into turmoil. It has given a new twist of sectarian divide to the already racially and ethnically divided Arab countries and may have far reaching consequences in the countries with sizeable Muslim population. It is obvious that the Americans and Israelis are behind the rise of ISIS that was initially used and financed by the US cronies like Saudi Arabia and UAE to oust president Assad of Syria. It may turn out to be a bigger menace for peace and harmony all over the world. Nigeria and number of African countries are in the grip of growing internal conflicts. Here too religious fundamentalist forces like Boko Haram are causing havoc and the imperialists are adding fuel to the fire by siding one or the other variety of extremist forces. Ukraine where the trouble started because the imperialists through the countries of European Union manavoured the ouster of elected President of the country to install their stooge continues to be in turmoil. The Americans and the countries of EU are not ready to recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Ukrainian people of different region to have a government of their choice. Actually it is a battle for supremacy in the Black Sea region. The issue of Tamil speaking people in Sri Lanka continues to be point of agitation for people in India. Frequent arrest of fishermen also add fuel to the fire. In Pakistan, the religious fundamentalism and terrorism based on it is spreading its tentacles and in some parts of FATA and other tribal areas they have succeeded in floating parallel administration threatening the very unity and existence of Pakistan. The ongoing conflict among the political forces may destroy the gains of six years of democratic regime and threat of a military takeover is gaining ground. The situation in Afghanistan is also fragile. The NATO and American forces are scheduled to go away from Afghanistan by the year end. There is no sign of a stable regime that is necessary for political stability in the country. A stable and peaceful Afghanistan is the need of the region for promoting peace and cooperation in the entire Asian continent. The Presidential elections in Afghanistan have become controversial which may create further division among the people. Political forces in Nepal continue to struggle to finalise the constitution. The struggle against religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh has further sharpened.

POLITICAL RE-ORIENTATION CAMPAIGN

The National Council in its review report on the Parliamentary election has emphasized the need for introspection and analyzing deeply the emerging economic and political situation. It cannot be undertaken in isolation. We have to assess the impact of Neo-liberalism on various segment of our population. The ongoing fragmentation in traditional class structure leading to different economic and political perspectives within different fragmented segments is yet another aspect that needs to be studied. Besides, we have a total disconnect as for as the fast growing middle class and a segment of new elite class that is not part of the middle class in classical terms but has become a vocal force determining the political perspectives of various traditional classes. We need to understand the perspectives and aspirations of these segments of the population as well.

CRISIS IN THE LEFT

Left is facing crisis. The challenge before the Left is unprecedented. The process of stagnation and decline had begun earlier. But it was reflected vividly in the last general elections. The process has not halted. It continues unabated. The result in bye-elections in West Bengal confirms the grim reality. As such there is no enthusiasm and confidence in the party. Our bases are affected. It is a matter of serious concern. But we have to face the reality. The reasons are both political and organizational. There is a need for deep introspection and political review. The political battles are to be unleashed on basic issues of masses, reconnect with people, rouse political consciousness of masses, and improve the organised structure to be ready to face the any eventuality. The political and economic scenario with BJP swept to power with a massive majority pursuing the policies of total surrender to corporates, domestic and foreign, perpetuating its communal agenda is bound to generate contradiction between the policies, both economic and political with the interests of the broad section of the masses. In a capitalist system beset with inherent contradiction, new opportunities are sure to emerge for the left. Having this perspective let us prepare the party, educate the ranks and go to the people, seeking to learn. Let us activate the party, move into campaigns and develop mass actions on vital problems of the people, building broadest unity. The debacle in the past two parliamentary elections and the unseating of Left Front from power in West Bengal after 34 years of uninterrupted rule has a very demoralizing impact, not only on cadres but the Left supporting masses as well have got disillusioned. The repeated failures in projection of a country wide platform or a national alternative have caused much confusion among the left supporters. More and more politicalisation of the working class in particularls need of the hour. The Left, particularly the CPI has much better electoral response in the rural areas than the urban and urbanized areas habituated by the working class and employees. We must identify problems of middle class and organise struggles on these issues. All these factors including a very distorted evil of parliamentary deviation' has led to a situation where consistent struggle on the peoples' issues at the branch level are missing. The Political Resolution adopted at Patna Congress has noted it. It has also been noticed that response to the central and state calls are the only party activity in some areas. Not many campaigns and struggles have been conducted on local issues. To create party bases, focus should be on the result oriented local struggles (pp 38). In the absence of bases, the main political concern of the party becomes the possibility of winning a few assembly or a parliamentary seat and that too in alliance with this or that bourgeois political party. This concern get further distorted with the urge for projection of an alternative. In place of getting the Communist elected to assembly or parliament for synchronizing the struggles outside and inside the parliament, main political concern becomes to unseat a particular set of ruling parties or enthroning the others. Lack of zeal for organizing grass root movements and struggles on concrete issues faced by the people also lead to our very casual approach to the elections to local bodies and panchayati raj institutions. In most of the Hindi heartland and Western states, we never bother to prepare for these elections, though these are the institutions that could be used to expand and consolidate the party bases. Lack of activity at local level also hinders mass fund collection. Without bases created thus, it will be a futile exercise to seek reasonable seat sharing with others, particularly the regional parties. The Patna Congress Political Resolution has correctly noted: This does not mean that the cooperation and working together with these regional parties should be totally given up. These parties have large following from the segments of the population that have to be mobilized if the country has to be relieved of the evil of neo-liberalism. They should be allies of the Left to the extent they are ready to take part in the fight against economic neo-liberalism and for defense of secular democracy (as well as support the people's causes championed by the communists). It needs to be reiterated here that an electoral tactics should be subordinated to the overall political tactics of the party." (pp 13-14). In this context, it has to be noted that the result of recent Lok Sabha election marked the most dangerous change against the secular democracy of our country. Keeping this in view, the draft programme of our party, introduced and adopted for discussion and finalization at 21st Congress at Patna in 2012, must be recast in light of new situation, discussed and adopted through a time bound programme to guide the party in the new phase of the Indian revolution. This brings the question of political tactics of the party in focus. Of course, the detailed political tactical line will be evolved and concretized when we deliberate on-the draft political resolution for the 22nd Party Congress, it will be appropriate to quote here what we have said in the Political resolution adopted in 21 st Party Congress at Patna: "With the deepening of economic crisis, both nationally and internationally, the party has to focus on offering alternatives to policies of economic neo-liberalism and conduct struggles independently and jointly. We have to unite the Left forces around a socio-economic alternative and make concerted efforts to draw other democratic forces, particularly the regional parties, in the struggles for the alternative socio-economic programme that lead to formation of state governments adhering to this concept and an over all anti-economic neo-liberalism shift in country's polity. There may be issues on which a larger democratic unity could be built. Apart from this, we will fight against poverty, unemployment, hunger and corruption and strive to improve the conditions of the people. Broadest possible unity of masses to organize a concerted struggle against the disastrous course of neo-liberalism being pursued by the UPA-II government. Uncompromising struggle against Communalism and to de- fend secular polity. Strengthening the party, broadening its mass base through grass roots struggle and actions. The party must make every effort to build up its strength so as to secure increased representation in Parliament and state assemblies in the forthcoming elections. Relying on its own strength it should build front/alliance/adjustment with other left and secular democratic parties for this purpose on the basis of alternate economic policies. The emphasis should be on ensuring adequate representation of the party in concerned house.

A left and democratic alternative remains the focal point of our efforts during the transitory period. More closer cooperation and unity among the Communist Parties leading to unity of communist movement on a principled basis is an imperative. More frequent and regular consultation between the communist parties and generally among the left parties should take place in order to plan and coordinate joint movements and actions and also to resolve any difference that may crop up. Though our strength is scattered all over the country, the CPI continues to be a big Left force in the country. We must strengthen our relations with other Left parties like AIFB and RSP along with CPI(M). We must try to draw other Left groups so as to build comprehensive Left unity. In the recent period CPI(ML) Liberation and SUCI are participating in some agitations in West Bengal and CPI(ML) had understanding with in By-election sin Bihar. Our path is path of Marxism-Leninism applied to our own conditions, based on the experience of our movement. Our goal remains socialism evolving from the history and with our specific characteristics. Capitalism is doomed, socialism is the only alternative: (pp 39-40).



Here it should be noted that with the advent of the Narendra Modi government that represent the combination of Corporate capital, right reactionary ideology and communalism, we may face very serious developments in the coming period. Its advent also means an end to coalition era that started in the mid nineties, at least for the time being. BJP has gained absolute majority on its own and will go to any length to consolidate it. In such a situation, a more flexible political tactics will be need of the hour. But that should not distract us from the basic goal of building a Left and Democratic alternative based on alternative socio-economic programme. The Left parties had adopted outline of alternative policies to economic neo-liberalism in July 2012. This can provide a basis for concretizing a full fledged socio-economic programme that should not only help us in uniting the broadest possible Left forces in the country but become pivot for mass mobilization through consistent struggles and movements. Of course, protection and strengthening of secular fabric of the country will be cardinal to such mobilization.

TASKS

With the guidelines available in the two documents on "Rejuvenation and re-activisation of Party Organisation" and "Political re-orientation of the Party" following tasks need urgent attention that have to be carried out before the 22nd Party Congress in April 2015.

Nation wide campaign for re-activisation and ratification of the party must be taken up at all levels.

1. State leadership (council or at least the executive) should meet and finalize detailed programme for holding the party conferences from branch to state level. In charges need to be fixed at least for the district conferences. 22nd Congress of CPI will be held from 25-29 March 2015 at Pondicherry.

2. Re-activisation and re-organization of branches according to the constitutional norms should be attempted during the process of holding branch conferences and be completed during party membership renewal for 2015. All branch conferences must conclude with a public meeting to explain the political orientation of the party as well as the programme for struggles on local issues. 15 day campaign should be organised to district level cadre, to explain the Political Organisational decisions, particularly on reactivisation of the Party.

3. District conferences should be held only after holding at least 80 per cent of the branch conferences. Special attention be paid to bridge the generation and gender gap while electing leadership and delegates to the state conferences and to all levels of the party.

4. There should be fund collection for Party Conferences at all levels.

5. Call for mass fund collection, at least once in a year be planned in the state conferences. All Party members, cadres and leaders should participate in the mass fund collection.

6. State leadership should present a detailed report on shortcomings and achievements in conducting mass campaigns and struggles on local issues, membership structure in districts and problems in organizing branches in-proper manner.

7. There should be a special session during the state conferences devoted to the discussion on draft political resolution for 22nd Party Congress to carry forward the process of political re- orientation of the party.

8. Party offices at all level from branches to district should subscribe to at least one of the central journals and state Party Journals. Special efforts be made to widely circulate the party literature.

9. In honour of the 22nd Party Congress, all NC members, candidate members and invitees should enroll or renew subscription of at least 10 persons for NEW AGE or MUKTI SANGHARSH. Other delegates and alternate delegates to the Party Congress should enroll or renew subscription of at least five persons. Quota for NE members be 15 and for Secretariat members 25. This should be reviewed at the Party Congress itself. All N.C. members should collect Party Fund also.

10. NE should assign more than one Central leader during state conference and to supervise the process of entire party conference in the concerned states. State conferences dates should be finalized, after consulting the Party centre.

11. October 16th should be observed as Anti-Price rise day by all Party units, appropriately.

A NOTE ON REJUVENATION AND RE-ACTIVIZATION OF PARTY ORGANISATION

(Adopted by the Special NC Meeting on September 19-21, 2014)

INTRODUCTION

In the normal process, the Organisation report is presented and debated in the Party Congress by constituting a separate Organisation Commission. It is expected that the report will not only be thoroughly reported and measures recommended will be implemented in the following three years till the next Party Congress. In the Thiruvanathapuram Party Congress, a very significant and detailed report on rejuvenation and rectification of the Party Organisation was adopted. In the consequent Party Congresses the Thiruvanathapuram Organisation report was referred extensively but the implementation part was discouraging. Non-implementation of decisions, particularly related to Party Organisation, has become a chronic disease. The Organisation report for the 22nd Party Congress has to take up the issue more extensively.

As the process of Party Congress--- from Branch conferences to Party Congress--- is an extensive and comprehensive process that need to be utilized to inculcate the need for re-activization of the Party Organisation. But for that we have to point out certain shortcomings and mal-functioning that need to be taken up while holding the party conferences at different level. As the renewal of party membership for 2015 will also be completed before the Party Congress, the state councils are expected to chart out detailed programme for rejuvenation of Party Organisation while working out the programme for two events.

The situation in the Hindi heartland and most of the states of Western India is really alarming. The organizational structure is not in constant touch with local people and generally fail to take the pressing , issues of the masses and do not take up initiative to develop movement.

PARTY MEMBERSHIP

Although the renewal of Party membership is taken up every year, it is more or less becoming a ritual. In most of the cases, the renewal and recruitment figures tell very saddening story. Some of the features that can be pointed out after having the first glance of the Membership Chart sent by the state Councils are in the normal process, majority of the candidate members shown in the previous year's chart should reflect increase in the membership next year. In several cases, it seems that to maintain the status quo' or show a slight increase or decrease in the figures for the two categories of members--- full and candidate are worked out and the chart are just sent to fulfill the formality. This covers up the reality of drop-outs. In most cases, the State leadership failed in impressing upon the district councils that the renewal of the party membership has to be done in the annual branch conference.

RENEWAL OF THE PARTY MEMBERSHIP NEED TO BE PONE AS PER THE PARTY CONSTITUTION

Holding of annual branch conferences will go a long way in fulfilling these tasks. Holding of annual branch conference will also help in wiping out the members who do not participate in any of the mass activities of the party. Fear of drop in membership should not deter us from taking some drastic measures for re-activisation. Inactive members alienate the masses from Party.

Still there is a lot to be done to cover the gender and generation gap. Special efforts have to be taken to enroll members with the idea of covering these gaps. Same applies to the recruitment from Dalits, OBCs, minorities and other weaker sections. Promoting cadres from

these segments in the leadership at different level will go along way in attracting these people towards the party. The party members from younger generation will have to be consciously trained and promoted to the leadership at all level.

PARTY BRANCHES

Party branches are the main tool for conducting and expanding the party activities. A party branch alive to the problems of the masses in its area of activity will help the party to strengthen and expand its base at the grass-root level. It is observed that in number of states, the formation of branches and intermediary committees is not on the priority list of the district and state leadership. In some states, the membership has increased in the state as a whole but number of branches has gone down. In several membership charts of the states, there is no proportion in the strength of party membership and number of branches. In several districts, there are just two or three branches in the entire district though membership is around five hundred. In one chart, an important district having membership above eight hundred has no branch or an intermediary committee. This shows that the renewal and recruitment (there are candidate members in the chart) have been done only on paper. Districts, of course, send the amount to state but there are no charts. It applies on some states as well who never send detailed charts. One state council has totally deleted the columns about number of branches and intermediary committees. No discussion on renewal and recruitment takes place at many branches. New members are recruited, without approval of the branch. No Oath taking from new recruits. Large numbers of Party members are never given party education. Membership enrollment campaign is carried on casually for months together. This should be changed consciously. Some immediate measures need to be taken.

There may be exceptions, but a proportion has to be worked out on number of branches in relation to membership. Clubbing of entire taluka in one rural branch will never help. Villages where we have enough party members separate branches need to be created. This should apply in the urban areas on the basis of Municipal ward and localities. In the case of branches on the basis of industry or factory, the members can become associate members in the nearest residential area branch. In metropolis, municipal wards can be divided in several branches. The main area of activity for branch is the local problems faced by the local people. It is alright that the branches respond to the calls from Party Center and State Centers. But that is not enough. Until and unless the branches take up the people's issues at the grass-root level, we will never be able to create a firm mass base.

Along with people's struggle on their problems, the party branches have also to plan participation in the various democratically elected institutions including the Panchayat Raj institutions. In several states, we have never participated in the local bodies' elections and have no representation. This apathy has to be given up. Cooperatives too should be our target.

In the urban areas, apart from targeting the municipalities and corporations, our comrades should actively participate in the activities of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and such other organizations dealing with day to day problems of the people. Work among literary, sports and cultural fields need to be given due importance to attract middle class youth and intellectuals.

In the cases of TU based branches, its membership is linked with the service tenure of the employee-member. Some mechanism at different level of the party has to' be developed to keep such party members active with some responsibility even after the retirement or change in job. It is evident that our TU leaders give less importance to recruiting Party members from workmen. We have to give them political education enough to make them ideologically and politically oriented above their economic consciousness. Party education will have to be a continuous process with updated syllabus, and trained teachers. Party branch should be encouraged to have their separate offices. At least they should have proper postal and other digital addresses. This can be ensured by enforcing the rule that each branch should subscribe at least one of the central or state party journals. Every Party branch should have at least 3 mass organizations preferably Agricultural labour, Kisan, Women, Youth and students.

For strengthening party organization in urban and rural areas, the .laws and welfare schemes like MNREGA, RTI and food security etc. should be used. Branch should meet frequently and political and organizational reporting should take place at regularly.

DISTRICT COUNCIL

District Councils are the heart and soul of our party organization. As stated earlier in number of states the very concept of intermediary committees between the branches and district council has been given up. In such a situation, in most cases, the responsibility of remaining in contact and keeping the branches functional lies on the district leadership. This is reflected in casual manner in which membership renewal is done as well as in serious disproportion in membership and number of branches. No criterion is followed in recognizing the district council. With a few dozen party members in the district, full-fledged district council is approved. This give rise to number of distortions and deviation in the functioning of the party organization.

In states with less than 5000 membership, there should be at least 150 party members divided at least in 6 branches to accord the unit the status of district council. In states with membership between 5,000 to 15,000, the district council should be approved if membership is above 250 divided in at least 10 branches. Districts with less than this should be treated as organizing committee. It should have consequential impact in formation of state councils and other apparatus at state level. The strength of the members of the district apparatus should be in proportion to the strength of the party membership. This is the level where conscious measures have to be taken up to cover the gender and generation gap. Upcoming female cadres need to be accommodated in leading bodies. Special efforts need to be made for enrolling women as party members. Same applies on Dalits, OBCs, minorities and other weaker sections.

To implement the principle of change with continuity and to end the generation gap, properly constituted district councils need to elect at least one assistant district secretary who is below 45 years of age. The district council must have their own offices (at least a postal address) and efforts be made to have a whole-time district-secretary. District council should have their bank accounts. Later it should be extended to Taluk Mandal Council and later to big Party branches. Each district council should identify at least three mass organizations (friendship, literary, and cultural and such outfits excluded) on which concentrated work need to be done. District Party secretaries should not continue for more than four terms. District councils have to prepare much in advance for the local/ Panchayat elections Party should contest elections whether win or loose but as a political campaign.

STATE COUNCIL

State leadership has to undertake the major responsibility of party organization, its re-activisation and rectification. State councils are the main political and organizational leadership between the two state conferences. It should really be a representative body having people from all sections and interests. In some of the cases, large state councils are constituted where arranging quorum becomes a problem. Strength of the state council need to be proportionate to the total membership in the state.

In states where party membership is less than 5,000, principle of having only one member for every two hundred members in State Councils need to be adhered strictly. Similarly a proportion need to be worked out for states with membership between 5,000 and 15000

which can be between 35 to 45. The states where the membership is between 15,000 to 30,000 state council should be of 60 to 65 members. The State Councils with membership of 30 to 50 thousand can have 75. Above 50,000 can be 100 member council and bigger states can have 125 members council.

Only duly approved district councils should find representation on the state council. District with large membership and" having more representation in the council should adhere to the principle of bridging the gender and generation gap. State headquarter quota in no case should exceed 15 per cent to 20% of the strength of the state council. Comrades drawn to work full time from headquarters need to be given preference. Other executive and secretariat members should be elected from their respective districts. Leaders of mass organizations too should come from district quota, except the main office bearers. With the election commission and other government machineries becoming more strict, the state headquarters must observe rules and transparency in maintenance of accounts etcetera. There should be internal audit and external audit. Party central audit committee should scrutinize state accounts once in three years; state should scrutinize district accounts every year. Party departments should supervise Mass fronts accounts and report to the concerned Executive Committee.

All districts, particularly with, university base should be encouraged to subscribe central party journals and sale of other literature should be organized. It will also help in forming AISF and teachers organizations. Special efforts be undertaken to form AISF units at such centers. State councils should conduct mass fund collection campaigns at least once a year in which all state council members should personally participate.

State leadership should take initiative to enroll more women members and promote them at all level of party leadership. They should also be put up as candidate in elections in reasonable number. National Council will have to formulate suitable cadre policy and guidelines, reviewing periodically taking in view the changes and requirements of the situation.

CENTRAL LEADERSHIP

There is vast generation and gender gap as well as disconnect with the masses. Special attention need to be paid to overcome these difficulties. The principle of 20 per cent new faces in NC need to be adhered strictly and not in a cosmetic manner. Principle of change with continuity provides enough scope for bringing about some real change in the constitution of the leadership. States that usually nominate or elect comrades for NC need to look into this problem seriously. Provision of inducting veterans at different level can be used to bring about changes.

At least at the level of secretariat, there should be no comrade with dual responsibility of state as well as center. They must develop a collective leadership to inspire the entire party with their writings, lectures and examples of 'simple living and high thinking' and leading militant mass struggles by shaking off habits of routine life and lethargy, if any. This will apply to state secretariat members also. Half of the NE members should be assigned responsibility from the Center and they should not be just participants in the debates in the N E meetings. Secretariat and NE members helping different state units and mass organization should regularly write in the party journals. They should submit written report to the Party Center. The same procedure should be followed at state level also.

The problem related to the functioning the mass fronts need to be discussed in depart at each and every level of party organization. In this context the leading party members working in different mass organizations should be consulted. The concerned departments should be asked to prepare the note to rejuvenate the mass organization. Cadre policy is very important aspect of party organization. Party organization at state and district level should frame the policy. Party education syllabus be reviewed and make it to the standard

of party members and suited to the present situation. Party educational work is to be a regular work of the organization, at various levels. Avoid the trends of maintaining loose membership and renewal in the interest of raising membership.

PARTY JOURNALS

The circulation of central party journals, i.e., NEW AGE and MUKTI SANGHARSH has gone down to miserable level. Some special efforts have to be made to increase the circulation and reach of these journals. (Urdu monthly Hayat too need attention). Party dailies and Journals subscriptions should be enrolled regularly.

END FACTIONALlSM

Factionalism is the biggest organizational decease. It is to be curbed at any cost. Differences of opinions on political, tactical issues are understandable. But intelligently factionalists try to hide behind tactics and political line etc. Factionalism should be curbed if the Party is to expand its influences among the people. Alien class trends and indisciplines which creep into the party must be consciously fought.

IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS

Several times we made self criticism, that our Party makes very good decisions, but fails to implement them. What is the use of making good decision, if they cannot be implemented.

All efforts should be made to implement, political, organizational decisions. We need a guarantee. The guarantee is that the leadership at all levels should be held accountable for the implementation of decision right from Central Secretariat down to the district level. There should be a review of the implementation of decisions, as first item of Agenda in the Executive of concerned committees. The action, criticism, warning, relieving from the responsibility for the failure should be there. That will be the guarantee.

PARTY FUND

Party fund is the key for regular functioning of Party and expansion of our activities. Most of our Party functionaries are unpaid whole timers or Part Timers. We need more whole timers and part timers for Party organization and mass fronts. Prices are going up and our whole timers need to be paid reasonable allowance to feed the family and educate children. Some Part timers should be paid for travel and communication expenses.

Increase the levy from Party members, and leaders at various levels. Levy must be collected along with Party membership during renewal. Every year Party members should be asked to pay donation also which should be equal to one day wage, as minimum fund. This is a regular practice in Kerala. Mass collection campaign for three to seven days should be organised with all leaders and Party members participating in it in every state. November to January is ideal months for collection. All states should-send 10% of the collected fund to the centre. Target of fund will be given separately. Special fund drive from party sympathizers and friends, and well wishers of party should be organised. Fund should be collected during public meetings and other occasions. Old tradition of Party fund collection during marriages and functions of Party comrades should be revived. The entire N.E., N.C. members should collect fund. Each NEC member should collect from 25 people and N.C. members should collect from 10 members minimum and deposit with Party centre. The money collected from the state functionaries of N.C. and NEC, major share will be sent to their state parties or Mass fronts, and they belong to.

Resolution for National Council on Jammu & Kashmir Disaster

The National Council of the CPI expresses serious concern on the disaster caused by the unprecedented rains and floods in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The armed forces and the state government have done a commendable work in rescuing and rehabilitating the lakhs of affected people. The disaster is such that much more is required to be done. The union government should not be content with declaration of "National Calamity" but should provide all necessary finalise and after help to mitigate the miseries of the people. Though rains have stopped, the fear of epidemic break out looms large. Necessary medical help need to be rushed. CPI in cooperation with IDPD has sent a team of doctors to the state. Our party state units are also rushing necessary financial and material help as number of our party comrades and party offices have also been badly affected. While the state government and security forces are busy in providing relief some mischievous elements from across the border are trying to infiltrate and subvert the relief operation. Pakistan should restrain such attempts. The NC of the CPI appeal to the people to generously donate to the relief fund for Jammu and Kashmir.

Resolution for National Council Red Salute to Comrade Bhupesh Gupta on the Eve of Birth Centenary

The National Council of the Communist Party of India, now in session in New Delhi (September 19-21, 2014) proudly salute to the memory of the dedicated revolutionary fighter, Communist and a parliamentarian par-excellence, Comrade Bhupesh Gupta whose

birth centenary will be observed on October 20. The NC dedicates the centenary celebration to the campaign for electoral reform and strengthening of Parliamentary democratic institutions that were zealously and relentlessly served by Comrade Bhupesh Gupta.

Comrade Bhupesh Gupta was born on October 20, 1914 at Itna in Mymensingh district, now in Bangladesh. He joined the freedom movement in his early years and was active in the revolutionary group called "Anushilan". He was arrested first in 1930 and then twice in 1931. He was arrested again in 1933 and was kept in detention till 1937. He passed both FA and BA examinations while in detention. His father then sent him to England, who wanted to keep him away from the revolutionary movement. But in England, too he took part in the Indian students' struggle for freedom. He came in touch with the Comrnunist Party of Great Britain and joined the party group of Indian students. While in England he did his bar-at-Iaw and was called to the bar from the Middle Temple.

Returning to India in 1941 he devoted himself full-time to the work of the communist movement in the country. He worked in 1941 at the underground headquarters of the party. He was one of the founders of the Friends of the Soviet Union (FSU) in 1941. As secretary of Jana Raksha Samiti, he did tremendous organizing work during the Bengal famine and in the rehabilitation task. He also was a founder of the People's Relief Committee. He defended in courts the valiant accused of the Tebhaga struggle in Bengal. He also defended workers in industrial cases, including the TELCO workers of Jamshedpur in 1946 in the compulsory adjudication under the then Defence of India Rules. In 1948, Comrade Bhupesh Gupta went underground in Calcutta when the party was banned. He was arrested in 1951 and detained till April 1952. He was elected to the West Bengal provincial committee of the party in 1947 and appointed chairman of the editorial board of the party's Bengal daily Swadhinata in 1951. In 1952, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha and since then has been its member till his death in 1981. He was the longest serving member in the Rajya Sabha at the time of his death and he was highly respected as a very able, alert and extremely competent parliamentarian. Hardly anyone dared to cross swords with him.

He made a number of exposures in parliament, including those of Mundhra, M 0 Mathai, etc. He was the most dogged champion of the cause of the working people and to voice their complaints, hopes and aspirations in the forum Of parliament was his mission. Known and universally respected even by his political adversaries, he earned a niche of his own in India's parliamentary history.

On June 22, 1977, when the Rajya Sabha celebrated its 100th session and 25th anniversary, Comrade Bhupesh Gupta was specially felicitated.

Comrade Bhupesh Gupta was elected to the Central Committee of the CPI at the Third Congress of the Party at Madurai in December 1953 to January 1954. At the Palghat Congress of the Party in 1956 he was elected to the Central Committee and thence to the politbureau of the party. Since then he was always been elected to all the leading bodies

of the party. At the time of his death he was a member of the Central executive committee and secretary of the national council of the CPI.

Not only was Comrade Bhupesh Gupta a staunch Communist, an able parliamentarian and gifted orator, he was also a powerful writer. He has written a large number of articles and pamphlets on political, economic and topical themes.

Comrade Bhupesh Gupta was Editor of the New Age form 1954 to 1957 and then again from January 1966 to his last.

Comrade Bhupesh Gupta was also well known outside the country, especially in the international communist movement. He kept up his contacts with the Indian community in England and he put up a staunch fight against the notorious British nationality bill in the Rajya Sabha.

Comrade Bhupesh Gupta attended several international conferences. He attended the Bucharest preparatory meeting of the international communist movement. He was a member of the CPI delegation at the 1957, 1960 and 1969 meetings of the World Communist movement. He was also a member of the CPI delegation led by the late Comrade Ajoy Ghosh, which went to Peking in 1959 and met Mao Tsetung.

The National Council of the Communist Party of India calls upon the party units to conduct functions to recall the services rendered by Comrade Bhupesh Gupta and to unleash campaign for comprehensive electoral reform a cause very dear to Comrade Bhupesh Gupta. He was a fighter, both inside and outside the Parliament.

The NC urges upon the government to release a postal stamp of Comrade Bhupesh Gupta to mark his birth centenary.

Resolution for National Council On Birth Centenary of Com. Jharkhande Rai

The National Council of the Communist Party of India pays its rich tribute to valiant freedom fighter, a staunch believer in Marxism-Leninism and a noted parliamentarian Comrade Jharkhande Rai, whose birth centenary observance has started from 10th September 2014.

This NC remembers his contribution in the freedom struggle and in post-independence period. He dedicated his whole life to serve the kisans, agricultural workers and rural people, workers and toiling masses.

Comrade Jharkhande Rai was born on 10th September 1914 in village Amila of Azamgarh district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and passed away on 18 March 1987. His father was very influential and highly respected Zamindar. During his student days he came in contact with revolutionaries and started attending the meetings of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and finally took part in many actions against the British imperialist's establishments. He was twice arrested by British government and first time he was in jail for 3 years and second time for a longer period. He played leading role in looting the British Treasure from the train with colleagues of HSRA and in the history this event is called Pipridih train loot. While in jail he came in contact with RSP leaders Comrade Tridib Choudhry and Com. Jogesh Chatterjee. He was also very much influenced by Shahid-e-Azam

Sardar Bhagat Singh, Ashfaq Ullah Khan and Pandit Ram Prasad Bisrnil, Com. Jharkhande Rai was a keen observer of international developments and communist movement. He was well-known leader of RSP but have serious difference with political understanding of the leadership of RSP on the evaluation of the USSR policies. This forced him not to continue his association with it and in UP all the leaders of RSP quit the party under his leadership and joined the CPI.

Com. Rai popularly addressed by people as "Rai Sahib" contested the first U.P. assembly election in 1952 and continuously got elected 4 times from Ghosi constituency of Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. He also served as a cabinet minister in SVD government of Uttar Pradesh. After the demise of veteran CPI leader Com. Jai Bahadur Singh, who was representing Ghosi parliamentary seat, party put up Com. Jharkhande Rai as CPI candidate in 1968 and he won the bye-election with thumping majority and again won Lok Sabha seat in 1971 and 1980.

He was Central leader of A" India Kisan. Sabha (AIKS) and organised and led farmer and rural people movement in Hindi belt and was the President for many years of UP Kisan Sabha. Com. Jharkhande Rai was elected to National Council of CPI and more than 20 years he was state secretariat and state executive member of the party in UP. He was a prolific writer in Hindi and his articles used to publish in various Hindi dailies and magazines. He is author of two remarkable books about revolutionaries of the freedom movement.

The national council of the CPI urges to party units to observe his centenary and organise the seminar and symposium on agrarian . issues and remember the contribution of this great revolutionary freedom fighter Communist leader ina befitting manner.

Resolution for Price Rise:

Anti Price Rise Campaign on October 16, 2014

Mr. Narendra Modi and BJP hit out at Congress led UPA government for its failure to control the prices and to contain the inflation during the campaign for Lok Sabha Elections.

But in power for more than 100 days, they have done nothing to improve the' situation. They could have re-amended the Essential Commodities Act to prevent hoarding and ban forward trade especially in food items. As a matter of fact prices of veqetables, food grains, edible oils and other. essential commodities have gone up in the last 100 days of BJP government.

On the other hand, the Modi Government continues to increase the charges on public services provided to the people. There are all attempts to weaken the existing welfare schemes such as MNREGA and also to cut down subsidies.

While the real wages of working people are not increasing, the prices, particularly of essential commodities, are shooting up. Inflation continues to be at alarming level. Toiling people continue to suffer.

The National Council of CPI therefore decides to organise a nationwide protest against price rise on October 16, 2014. It calls upon the party units to mobilize people in big way and protest in various forms against Price Rise.

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

WHITHER DEMOCRACY IN INDIA

 'WHITHER DEMOCRACY IN INDIA' AT MOULALI YUBA KENDRA, KOLKATA ON 18TH NOVEMBER, 2014 AT 3.30 P.M.
TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OF THE BIRTH CENTENARY OF COM BHUPESH GUPTA UNDER THE FLAG OF West Bengal State Council, Communist Party Of India, A SEMINAR ON 'WHITHER DEMOCRACY IN INDIA' WILL TAKE PLACE AT MOULALI YUBA KENDRA, KOLKATA ON 18TH NOVEMBER, 2014 AT 3.30 P.M.


The list of speakers who will partcipate in the Seminar on 18th November, 2014 at Moulali Yuba Kendra is almost final. The list includes : Com A B BARdhan, Com Sitaram Yechury, Com Dipankar Bhattacharya, Com Debabrata Biswas, Com Pravash Ghosh, Com Khsiti Goswami and Com S Sudhakar Reddy. Com Manju Kumar Majumder will preside.

যুব সংগঠনের রাজ্য সম্মেলন