Below we publish the statement issued by the CPI (M) Kerala state secretariat on Thrikkakara by-election results

IN the background of growing resentment among common people, lawlessness and attacks against dalits, women and the minorities, a convention of workers of the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) and RJD, on June 5 heralded a new chapter in the ongoing battle against the anti-people, pro-corporate and naked communal politics of the BJP regime at the centre and the NDA dispensation in Bihar. Leaders and workers of the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) and RJD, with their respective party headbands, scarfs, flags and colourful badges, filled up the newly built Bapu Sabhagar in Patna.

The Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF), in association with other dalit organisations in the state, has organised a series of programmes across the state to garner public support for a special Act to prevent honour killings which are rising in recent years in the state. As part of it, they organised a state-wide demonstration programme on May 28.CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Subhashini Ali, speaking at a demonstration held at Saidapet, Chennai, stressed the need for a special Act to prevent social evils like honour killings.

Following the call of the Left parties to launch united and concerted nationwide struggles against price rise and unemployment, between May 25-31, various forms of protests were held across the country. Below we publish some of the reports received as we go to press.Tamil Nadu: THE CPI(M) Tamil Nadu state committee held protests across the state from May 25 to 31 against the Modi-led Union government, as per the call given by the Left parties.

ON May 25, a delegation led by CPI(M) Assam state secretary Suprakash Talukdar, Central Committee Member Isfaqur Rahman and MLA Manoranjan Talukdar visited Shalonabori village at Batadrava area under Nagaon district to look into a case of alleged custodial death and police brutality.On May 20, Shafiqul Islam, a poor businessman and a resident of Shalonabori village, was arrested by the police on charges that are unclear. Later, the police reportedly demanded Rs 10,000 for releasing him and when that demand was not met, he was reportedly killed while in custody.