Tamil Nadu Assembly to Pass Resolution Condemning Israel's Gaza Actions
S P Rajendran
Chief Minister Stalin announced legislative measures during a CPI(M)-organised protest; he called for immediate ceasefire and intervention by the Indian government.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin announced that the state assembly will pass a resolution condemning Israeli attacks in Gaza and demanding immediate ceasefire, marking a significant political stance on the international crisis. The announcement came during a massive protest organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Chennai on 8th October, Wednesday.
The chief minister expressed confidence that all political parties would support the resolution, transcending political differences. "This resolution will reflect the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu," Stalin stated, addressing thousands gathered at the protest venue.
UNIFIED POLITICAL VOICE
The demonstration, led by CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam, witnessed unprecedented political unity with leaders from across the ideological spectrum participating. Dravidar Kazhagam President K Veeramani, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member U Vasuki, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan MP, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, CPI(ML) central committee member Balasubramaniyan, MDMK treasurer Senthil Athiban and representatives from multiple parties including IUML, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, and Tamil Nadu Vaazhvurimai Katchi joined the protest.
Also present were CPI(M) Polit Bureau member K Balakrishnan, Central Control Commission Chairman G Ramakrishnan, Central Committee member P Sambath, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu, Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor R Priya, and several MLAs. CPI(M) district secretaries M Ramakrishnan (North Chennai), R Velmurugan (South Chennai), G Selva (Central Chennai), S Gopal (Tiruvallur), P S Bharathi Anna (Chengalpattu), and K Nehru (Kanchipuram) led thousands of participants in the protest.
In his address, chief minister Stalin detailed the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. "Israel's indiscriminate attacks have been shaking not just our hearts, but the conscience of the entire world," he said. "These attacks blatantly violate international human rights laws and United Nations principles."
STAGGERING HUMAN COST
Stalin presented sobering statistics – over the past year, Israeli operations in Gaza have resulted in approximately 50,000 deaths, including 11,000 women and 17,000 children. The casualties also include 175 journalists and 125 UN personnel. Additionally, 26,000 children have been orphaned, and over 100,000 people have sustained injuries requiring hospitalisation.
"In one year, a significant portion of Gaza has been destroyed," the chief minister noted, emphasising that the scale of destruction extends beyond mere infrastructure to the very fabric of Palestinian society.
He cited particularly disturbing incidents, including the June shooting of 45 Palestinians waiting for food supplies, and the recent detention of humanitarian volunteers from 47 countries attempting to deliver essential supplies including food, medicine, and infant formula to Gaza's desperate population.
CALL FOR FEDERAL ACTION
Stalin directed pointed remarks toward the Union government, calling on the BJP-led administration to take swift action. "The Union government must pressure Israel and other relevant countries to immediately halt these attacks," he urged. "India should work in coordination with the United Nations and other international organisations to establish peace in Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance."
The chief minister emphasised that world peace, human rights, and the value of human life are universal concerns requiring collective action. He stressed the need for immediate and comprehensive provision of food, medical care, and essential services to affected populations, along with clear commitments regarding Palestinian rehabilitation and Gaza's reconstruction.
POLITICAL LEADERS SPEAK OUT
CPI(M) Political Bureau member U Vasuki highlighted the ideological connections underlying India's shifting foreign policy. "Modi's Hindutva and Netanyahu's Zionism are ideological friends", she stated. "India has become a lowly ally of American imperialism, not considering its own interests."
She revealed that some weapons used in Gaza were manufactured and exported from India, calling on both the state and central governments to sever all defence ties with Israeli companies. Vasuki noted that Israeli companies had participated in Tamil Nadu's Defense Corridor events through Indian partners. She emphasised that public pressure would force a change in the Indian government's stance.
CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam drew historical parallels, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a new Hitler" for his conduct in Gaza. "Children who should be going to school are waiting weeks for food supplies. They're shooting children in the forehead," he said, condemning what he termed unprecedented war crimes that violate international law and UN principles.
Shanmugam emphasized that the party demands an independent Palestine, not one controlled by America. He called for the cancellation of all economic agreements and treaties between the Indian government and corporate entities with Israel. "We want to see smiles on the faces of Palestinian children," he declared.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan challenged the characterisation of Hamas as terrorists. "Hamas is not a terrorist organization – they are people who took up arms for self-defence," he argued. "Hamas governed Palestine. Despite 143 countries recognising Palestine in the UN, Israel arrogantly refuses acceptance because of support from America, Britain, and other powerful nations."
INDIA'S SHIFTING POSITION
Multiple speakers criticised what they described as India's departure from its historiical stance on Palestine. Congress leader K Selvaperunthagai recalled Mahatma Gandhi's and Jawaharlal Nehru's clear position that Palestine belongs to Palestinians. "Over time, despite numerous struggles and wars, India never deviated from its sovereignty. But in the last ten years, there has been a hesitation," he observed.
IUML general secretary K A M. Muhammad Abubakar reminded the gathering that India had honoured Palestinian President Yasser Arafat as chief guest at its Independence Day celebrations in 1988, recognising an independent Palestine. "India consistently supported various countries' rights and struggles worldwide. But the BJP union government hesitates to speak for Palestinian rights and remains silent despite Israel's massacres," he said.
CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian criticised the Trump administration's proposed 20-point plan as deceptive. "Communists will support liberation movements wherever they occur," he declared, emphasising that India's foreign policy under Modi has distorted the nation's traditional non-interference stance while supporting genuine independence movements.
ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC DIMENSIONS
Several speakers highlighted India's expanding defence and economic ties with Israel. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader M H Jawahirullah cited a Harvard Kennedy School report indicating that since October 7, 2023, America has supplied Israel with weapons worth approximately 33 lakh crore rupees. He noted that 37% of weapons used against Palestinians come from India, including drones manufactured by Adani's companies.
He called for CPI(M) to lead a movement to prevent any goods from leaving Chennai port for Israel, adding: "All of Tamil Nadu stands with Palestine. We will soon visit an independent Palestine."
Tamil Nadu Vaazhvurimai Katchi leader T. Velmurugan pointed out that Prime Minister Modi initially supported Israel but changed his stance following fierce opposition from leftist parties and parliament members. "Modi plays a double role with fascist characteristics, deceiving the world," he charged.
LOOKING AHEAD
The upcoming legislative session on October 14 will see the tabling of the resolution. If passed unanimously as anticipated, it would represent a significant moral and political statement from India's second-most populous state, potentially influencing national policy discourse.
The protest and planned resolution reflect growing domestic pressure on India's foreign policy establishment to return to its historical position of supporting Palestinian self-determination while navigating complex contemporary geopolitical realities.
As chief minister Stalin concluded: "We must not view this as another country's affair. World peace is common to all. Everyone must protect human rights. Every human life is invaluable. We all have a duty to protect these three principles."
The resolution will demand immediate cessation of hostilities, release of all hostages, and concrete commitments for Palestinian rehabilitation and Gaza's reconstruction, while calling on the Indian government to actively facilitate peace efforts through international channels.
