R Sudha Bhaskar
THE joint cadre meeting of CPI(M) and CPI held on April 9 at Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad was a huge success. Red flags of both parties filled the venue, and the cadres were brimming with enthusiasm.
The air was filled with chants of ‘Idhi Saayudha Porata Gadda! Yerra Jenda Adda’ (This is a land of armed struggle! An abode of red flags). The general secretaries of both CPI(M) and CPI,Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, took part in the meeting and the venue was packed with mandal-level leaders, and cadre from both parties.
The general secretaries of CPI(M) and CPIspoke about the unique nature of this joint cadre meeting, particularly given the current political atmosphere where Hindutva and pro-corporate policies threaten the working people. They urged the cadre to continue fighting with relentless determinationagainst these pro-imperialist, corporate, and landlord policies.
Both Sitaram Yechury and D Raja emphasised the historical necessity of unified efforts of both CPI(M) and CPI. They called upon the cadre to restore the glory of the red flag in Telangana. The effective beginning of Left unity between CPI(M) and CPI in Telangana is a significant step in this direction.
The Modi government's pro-corporate policies have endangered our constitution, and protecting it is the need of the hour. The Left and democratic forces must come together, and Left unity is a solid foundation for this, they said.
Sitaram Yechury strongly criticised the Modi government, highlighting how inequalities in Indian society have grown exponentially under their rule. He explained how Modi's cronies are making money at the expense of the vast majority of the people, and how growing discontent among the masses is being diverted to communal lines. He cited the recent Karnataka elections, where BJP bosses openly declared that whoever wins in the state, the BJP would ultimately be in power. Yechury urged the cadre to use all their might to dethrone the BJP and stand up for the rights of working people.
In his speech, D Raja highlighted how fascistic forces like the RSS have infiltrated Indian society. He noted that Dr Ambedkar had warned the masses to be vigilant about this danger. Raja explained how there is a big plan underway to bring back the caste system under the guise of Hindutva. He also pointed out how the BJP is using governors to destabilise non-BJP state governments.
BV Raghavulu, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member cautioned the audience about the dangers of a BJP government selling away the country if elected in the next elections. K Narayana, CPI secretary, challenged the Modi government to conduct raids on Mundra Port, which he claimed had become a hotbed of drugs.
T Veerabhadram, CPI(M) state secretary delivered a spirited speech, reminding the audience of the land's communist history and the enormous sacrifices made by its people. During the Telangana armed peasants struggle, the Nizam and his gang of razakars were chased away, and tens of thousands of acres of land were distributed to the landless. Veerabhadram emphasised that the Saffron brigade would not be allowed to set foot on this land.
CPI state secretary K Sambasiva Rao also spoke at the meeting, highlighting the importance of fighting against the nexus of corporate-Hindutva with all their might. The cadre of both parties were enthused and returned back with this message of unity and determination.
