BSP leader Mayawati and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal have accused that the EVMs were tampered with in the UP and Punjab Assembly elections. What is the CPI(M) stand on EVMs?

S Rudrangshu, Kolkata

THE Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are a step better than the earlier manual voting system with ballot papers. Rigging of votes and booth capturing were easier in the old system.

Q. Even after 70 years of capitalist development after Independence, the CPI(M) still talks about the People’s Democratic Revolution. As per the Marxist understanding, when capitalism has become the mode of production in Indian society, why is the CPI(M) not aiming for a socialist revolution?

Sushant Banerjee, Howrah, West Bengal

A. The programme of the CPI(M) characterises the stage of the revolution as democratic and sets out the strategic goal of the People’s Democratic Revolution.

It seems the Indian psyche has accepted dynastic politics whenever elections come. Tamil Nadu is no exception - to some extent, where it appears to be a case of "crash landing". How does CPI(M) view  this?

In India all sorts of politicians face corruption charges, some face trial in courts, some are convicted, some are acquitted, some go on appeal etc..etc..  Does CPI(M) treat one is innocent till final conviction in any court of law?  What is the yardstick CPI(M) adopts to deal with them?

S Manohar, Melagaram,Tamil Nadu.

THE UBI refers to a minimum level of money income that the State ensures for its citizens. Typically, the government transfers a stipulated amount of money to all its citizens to ensure that they have access to a minimum level of income. The quantity of such a money transfer is determined either by estimating the average shortfall of per capita income from a poverty line, or by estimating an amount required to live a life of basic dignity.