The State and the Left

THE Maoist attitude to the Indian State is clear; engaged in an armed struggle to overthrow the Indian State, the Maoists see this State as their enemy. What about that segment of the Left, however, which is not engaged in armed struggle, but participates in parliamentary elections, occasionally forms governments at the state level, and functions in accordance with the Constitution? Does it find the current Indian State acceptable?

Assam: CPI(M) Opposes Centre’s Move on Bangladeshi Migrants

THE CPI(M) Assam State Committee has strongly objected to the Modi government’s unilateral and arbitrary move to grant Indian citizenship to all Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Party said the decision, taken on communal considerations without taking into consideration the people of Assam and various political parties and organisations, has made provisions of the Assam Accord completely irrelevant and meaningless and will endanger the unity and integrity of Assam.

Thinking Together

Q A Marxist party is supposed to be opposed to religion but in Loklahar's issue in hand (and also in People's Democracy) I have found news reports of "Roza Iftar" organised and 'Eid Celebrated in Sriram Colony'. You had also brought out an issue on "Babri Masjid". But in Dipawali issue, I saw call for class struggle. Is Marxist party's opposition to religion is limited only to Hindu rituals and Brahmanical norms? Bhavesh MaroliaSadulpur, Rajasthan THERE are two issues involved in your question.

KERALA: Victory for Striking Women Plantation Workers

A MASSIVE strike organised by women workers of Kannan Devan Hills Plantations in Munnar of Idukki district ended successfully on the ninth day on September 13, after the management conceded to the agitators’ major demands and agreed to disburse bonus of 11.67 percent and ex-gratia of 8.33 percent. The agreement came after a marathon negotiation among representatives of workers’ unions, management and the government in Kochi, chaired by Chief Minister Oommen Chandi.

Brutal Attack on Students in Vizag

THE brutal attack on students, including girls, in Visakhapatnam on September 15 is a desperate attempt on part of the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government to muzzle the voice of those who oppose its policies. Ever since coming to power, Chandrababu has repeatedly showed contempt towards public education. The problems of social welfare hostels are not being addressed in the state for many months. Girl students are facing acute problems due to non-availability of toilets, drinking water facility and permanent buildings in majority of welfare hostels.

Beef Ban: Meddling with Food Habits of People Undemocratic

THE CPI(M) Jammu and Kashmir state committee has opposed the ban on sale of beef in the state and said that there should be freedom to eat whatever one wants and people should be left to make their own choices about food. Besides, nobody should discount the perilous social impact of meddling with food habits and preferences in a multi-religious society.

TELANGANA ARMED STRUGGLE HEROINE: Chakali Ilamma Statue Unveiled

THE unfinished agenda of the heroic Telangana armed struggle -- land reforms -- must be taken up with new vigor, said CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat in Palakurti town of Warangal district in Telangana on September 10. She was addressing a public meeting after the unveiling of a statue of Chakali Ilamma, the heroic Telangana armed struggle fighter.

Ban on Beef Opposed

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on September 11, 2015.THE Polit Bureau denounces the growing instances of violation of the constitutional fundamental right of personal life, freedom and liberty of Indian citizens, by enforcing strictures on lifestyle and dietary habits of the people.This is an integral part of the RSS design to impose Hindutva values and create communal polarisation.The Maharashtra government has recently banned the consumption of bovine meat.

Surjeet’s Centenary Meeting Held in Kolkata

A public meeting commemorating the birth centenary of Comrade Harkishan Singh Surjeet was held at EZCC hall in Kolkata on September 13. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury addressing the meeting said that the actual control of the Modi government lies with the RSS.Yechury said, the threat of majority communalism has intensified many times after the Modi government came into power. The attitude of this government towards the minorities is predisposed.

Public Health Crisis

THE tragic suicide by the parents of a seven year old boy who died due to dengue in Delhi is a shocking reminder of the dismal state of the health care system in the country. 30 million Indians are infected by dengue fever every year and 80 percent of them do not get medical care, or, are refused admission in hospitals on the plea that no beds are available. This illustrates the public health crisis facing the country. Dengue epidemics break out in Delhi frequently, but the government and the health system have regularly failed to cope with the outbreak.

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