Responding to the call of the CPI(M) to express solidarity with Cuba in its time of distress, a conference was organised at the MB Vignana Kendram in Vijayawada on April 6. Leaders present adopted a resolution seeking aid for Cuba, which is currently facing severe difficulties, and released a QR code to facilitate the collection of donations.

On the occasion, CPI(M) State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao, along with members of the State Secretariat, released a four-page special edition of Prajasakti on Cuba titled “Cuba Yennatike Longadu” (Cuba Never Yields). Leaders of other Left parties also participated, including CPI leader Akkineni Vanaja, SUCI leader Sudheer, and CITU State General Secretary Ch. Narsinga Rao.

Addressing the conference, Srinivasa Rao called upon people to stand in solidarity with Cuba, a nation facing severe hardships due to US sanctions. He appealed for the organisation of a statewide “Cuba Solidarity Fund Campaign” on April 7 to support the Cuban people.

He said that the United States is vindictively imposing sanctions on Cuba, subjecting it to prolonged hardship. As a result, he said, the Cuban people, including children, women and the elderly, are enduring immense suffering. He pointed out that the sanctions have led to shortages of food, medicines, electricity and fuel, and claimed that the United States is preventing other nations from extending assistance to Cuba. He strongly criticised the US administration, describing its actions as lacking basic humanity.

Despite decades of sanctions, he noted, Cuba continues to be recognised for its achievements in education and healthcare. He highlighted that the country’s healthcare system focuses equally on prevention and treatment. Referring to the role played by Cuban doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said their medical assistance and vaccines gave hope to millions across the world.

Srinivasa Rao also observed that the speeches of former Cuban President Fidel Castro, particularly those opposing US imperialism and the exploitation of Third World nations, remain historically significant.

Criticising US President Donald Trump, he accused him of pursuing aggressive and destabilising policies towards several countries, including Venezuela, Iran and Cuba, warning that such actions reflect a dangerous global trend.

Turning to domestic policy, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that India has moved away from its Non-Aligned Movement principles and is aligning with imperialist forces and Israel. He expressed concern that India has lost its independent voice in international affairs.

He further stated that protests are taking place even within Israel and the United States against their governments’ policies. Referring to global protest movements, he said demonstrations are being organised in thousands of locations expressing solidarity with Cuba, Palestine and Iran.

Srinivasa Rao warned that India could face both direct and indirect pressures from the United States in the future. He pointed to rising prices of essential materials such as steel and cement as early indicators of economic strain and stressed that safeguarding national sovereignty requires self-reliance. He called for a united struggle against imperialism and urged people to contribute to the Cuba Solidarity Fund.

Speaking at the event, Akkineni Vanaja stated that US attempts to destabilise Cuba through economic sanctions must be resisted. She noted that accounts of the hardships faced by the Cuban people have drawn global attention. Highlighting Cuba’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic, she emphasised the need for all who value humanity and democracy to oppose such sanctions.

She also criticised the Indian government, alleging that it has aligned with Israel and failed to condemn civilian casualties in conflict zones such as Gaza. She pointed out that while countries like Mexico have expressed solidarity with Cuba, India has not taken a similar stand.

SUCI leader Sudheer remarked that imperialist forces have become more aggressive following the decline of socialist nations and alleged that the current Indian leadership is aligning with such forces.

Ch. Narsinga Rao, who authored a book on his visit to Cuba, said that the Cuban people have a deep commitment to their country and socialist principles. He stated that defending Cuba is equivalent to defending socialism. Recalling a past instance, he said that when India sent food grains to Cuba, Fidel Castro remarked that it was not merely food, but a powerful expression of solidarity that strengthened the Cuban people.

The resolution adopted at the conference stated: “Cuba is a small nation in Latin America with a population of around ten million. Harbouring hostility towards this country for refusing to submit to its dominance, the United States has pursued a confrontational policy against Cuba for nearly six decades. Recently, it has issued threats, warning that Cuba could be its next target after Iran.

The US has a history of military interventions against countries that resist its influence, including involvement in regime-change efforts and targeted actions against leaders. There have been multiple reported attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro. The US has also been linked to interventions in countries such as Bolivia, Chile, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. More recently, tensions have escalated in regions like Venezuela and Iran, often involving complex geopolitical conflicts and alliances.

Cuba, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, has made significant progress in education and healthcare. Despite external pressures, it has maintained its sovereignty and pursued an independent path. Cuba has earned international recognition for its contributions, particularly in sending medical professionals to countries in need. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cuban doctors and medical teams assisted several nations and contributed to global healthcare efforts.

Despite this, Cuba continues to face severe challenges due to longstanding economic sanctions imposed by the US. These sanctions have affected the country’s access to fuel, medicines and essential goods. Disruptions in oil supplies from countries such as Venezuela and others have worsened the situation. As a result, essential services including healthcare, education, transportation and agriculture are under strain. The country is experiencing acute shortages of food and medicines.

The United Nations General Assembly, with the support of an overwhelming majority of countries, including India, has repeatedly called for an end to these sanctions. However, they remain in place, contributing to the hardships faced by the Cuban people.

At the same time, ongoing global conflicts have had wider economic repercussions. Rising international tensions have contributed to increases in the prices of essential commodities such as LPG, petrol, diesel, steel and cement. These price hikes are impacting ordinary people in our country as well. Small businesses, including eateries and street vendors, are struggling to survive.

The agricultural sector is also facing difficulties. Disruptions in exports and falling prices of products such as cotton, fruits, maize, tobacco, prawns, eggs and bananas have adversely affected farmers, leading to significant financial stress.” (END)