Peoples Democracy newsletter

Peoples Democracy newsletter

LG Vizag Styrene Leak: Corporate-Regulatory Collusion Unabated

THE horrific leak of Styrene vapour from the LG Polymers plant in Vizag in the early hours of May 7, 2020, causing at least 13 deaths and serious injuries to several hundreds of people near the plant, has revived memories of the Bhopal Gas Disaster in December 1984. Like in Bhopal, the LG plant was once in the city suburbs, but dense habitations had been allowed to come up in its vicinity.

Release Opposition Leaders & Human Rights Activists

Leaders of eight political parties – CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), AIFB, RSP, LJD, RJD and VCK – in a letter addressed to the president of India on May 11, demanded the immediate release of opposition leaders and human rights activists and called for an end to a politics of vendetta against protesters and political dissenters. They expressed concern and condemnation at the spate of arrests of students and activists under the draconian UAPA during the time when the country and people are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rebuff the Attacks on Working Class Rights

DURING its first term, the Modi led BJP government fast tracked the process of dismantling the labour laws that provided some protection to the workers, though to a very small section of them. It embarked upon codification of the 44 central labour laws into 4 codes. When this met with stiff resistance from all central trade unions with massive countrywide strikes, it was the BJP led state governments that carried the baton to amend labour laws in their respective states, Rajasthan taking the lead.

Bargain Abatement: Vietnam and the Indian State of Kerala Curbed Covid-19 on the Cheap

Their secret is quick and efficient public-health systems
THE phone rings and a doctor picks up. “Sir, we’ve run out of ventilators. What do we do when more patients come?” Soon after, a grim medic explains that the disease they are battling kills three in four victims. There is no vaccine or treatment.

TN: CPI(M) Relief Works in Full Swing

AS per the call given by the CPI(M) state committee in Tamil Nadu, the district committees along with other mass organisations have provided essential items to the needy people affected by the sudden imposition of lockdown by the BJP-led central government. The Party members have also interacted with the local administration and ensured that the relief items provided by the state government are reaching the beneficiaries in time.

From a Formal to an Informal US-empire in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN’s seven-day “reduction in violence” plan negotiated by the US and the Taliban commenced on February 21. Subsequently, the two erstwhile warring parties signed a deal on February 28, to bring peace to Afghanistan. America promised phased withdrawal of its military forces from Afghanistan. It is hoped that this will mark the beginning of end of the American involvement in nearly two-decade-old Afghan war which began after the September 11 attacks.

Community Kitchens in Bengal

HUNDREDS of Left activists are showing exemplary motivation and are helping poor, stranded people in West Bengal. From the day one of lockdown, Left mass organisations have organised temporary food distribution centres. The success story of one has inspired others and numerous such centres have come up in the state. Without any help from the state government, these activists have run ‘community kitchens’ in many areas. They have been encouraged by neighbourhood and people are contributing in cash or kind.

BIHAR: CPI(M) Stands with Migrant Workers Returning Home

IT is well established that Bihar has a long history of migration of labourers in large numbers and the intensifying agrarian crisis has contributed to increased migration from the state to all parts of the  country and abroad. Soon after the announcement of the coronavirus lockdown, industries, factories and shops across the country were shut down and the migrant workers were forced to return to their state.

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