The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-Liberation have issued a joint statement on June 13. Below we publish the statement

ALL INDIA PROTEST FORTNIGHT - JUNE 16-30

Roll Back Petrol Price Hikes
Control Prices of Essential Commodities & Drugs

MORE assaults on people’s livelihood are being mounted by this relentless rise in prices of all essential commodities. Instead of helping people to combat the ravages of the Covid health catastrophe, the Modi government hiked the prices of petroleum products by at least 21 times after the announcement of results of the recent assembly elections on May 2, 2021. This is leading to a cascading inflationary spiral with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) rising to a eleven year high.

The prices of food articles have risen by nearly 5 per cent in April. Primary commodities saw a rise of 10.16 per cent and manufactured products have risen by 9.01 per cent. By the time these commodities reach the retail markets, the consumers are charged much more.

This is happening while the economy is witnessing a deep recession, galloping unemployment, collapsing purchasing power and rising levels of hunger. Clearly, unscrupulous black-marketing and hoarding is taking place under State patronage. Modi government must strictly crackdown on such black-marketing especially of essential drugs, vital for people’s survival.

Modi government must immediately give direct cash transfers of Rs 7,500 per month for six months to all families not in the income tax paying bracket.

The provisions announced by PM Modi regarding extension of PMGKAY till Diwali of 5kgs of foodgrains is completely inadequate and does not cover the most needy. 10 kg foodgrains per month to all individuals including a food kit with pulses, edible oil, sugar, spices, tea etc., must be distributed free.

Given the Covid conditions and the necessity to strictly adhere to the precautions and protocol, the Left parties call upon their state units to conduct these protests in the concrete conditions obtaining in their states during this fortnight.