AP: CPI(M) and CPI Launch Campaign in AP to Dislodge BJP Government at Centre
B Tulasidas
THE CPI(M) and CPI have emphasised the importance of a united effort by all secular and democratic political parties, mass organisations, and civil society groups to remove the BJP government at the centre. In pursuit of this goal, the two parties jointly initiated the 'Prachara Bheri' political campaign on April 14, which coincided with the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, in Vijayawada. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the anti-people policies of the central government and to garner support for progressive forces from various sections of society.
Prakash Karat, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, along with Binoy Viswam, national secretary of the CPI, and other leaders, laid a wreath at a statue of Ambedkar. Following the ceremony, an impressive bike rally was organised from the statue to the meeting venue, with cadres of both parties raising slogans against the BJP-led central government. Addressing the gathering at MB Vignana Kendram, they accused the NDA government of destroying the country's secular fabric and implementing pro-corporate economic policies.
Prakash Karat stated that there has been a clear nexus between Hindutva and corporate interests over the past nine years, and parliamentary norms have been disregarded to create a 'Hindutva Rashtra' and a one-party authoritarian rule. He urged for a united struggle against the BJP and its policies. Karat also said that democracy was under attack, and attempts were being made to establish a one-party dictatorship and a full-fledged authoritarian state. He said that the opposition parties in parliament were being marginalised, and non-BJP state governments were being prevented from functioning. He called on secular and democratic parties to take a stand and fight against the Hindutva-corporate BJP regime to defeat it. Karat also criticised the YSRCP government in the state for not opposing the Modi government's policies and remaining silent, unlike the opposition governments in south India, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, which are opposing the anti-federal authoritarian BJP central government.
Binoy Viswam criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the Adani scam, and said that the NDA government was deliberately preventing a discussion on it in the parliament. He also accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of falsely claiming patriotic credentials despite having never participated in the freedom struggle. Viswam expressed hope that a united effort by all opposition parties, mass organisations, and civil society groups could lead to the defeat of the BJP.
CPI(M) state secretary V Srinivasa Rao stated that people were eagerly waiting for the end of the anarchic rule of the BJP in the country. He accused the Modi-Shah team of attempting to stir up emotions for political gain and to maintain their grip on power while diverting attention from the Adani scam and the failures of the prime minister. Rao criticised the central government for failing to grant Special Category status to Andhra Pradesh and for not fulfilling promises made during the state's bifurcation. He said CPI(M) will expose both the BJP and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), accusing the latter of supporting the BJP's RSS ideology and activities in the state. Finally, he criticised the TDP for remaining silent on the BJP's actions, and the Janasena for continuing its alliance with the communal BJP.
CPI state secretary K Ramakrishna accused the Modi government of deceiving the people of Andhra Pradesh.
The meeting was presided over by Ch Baburao, CPI(M) state secretariat member, and Donepudi Sankar, CPI state executive member. Other leaders from both parties, including Sridevi, Durga Bhavani, DV Krishna, Kasinath, Sattibabu, Koteswara Rao, and P Madhu, a former Central Committee member of the CPI(M), were also present.
The campaign will continue till May 4. Meetings, rallies marked the launch of the campaign at all the district headquarters and at many mandals.
