THE change in the nature of the State under neo-liberalism has been much discussed. From standing apparently above society and mediating between different classes, as under dirigisme (even though it too was a big-bourgeois-led State), the State under neo-liberalism promotes primarily the interests of the corporate-financial oligarchy (which is integrated to international finance capital), on the plea that what is good for this oligarchy is ipso facto good for the nation.

THE AIDWA has submitted a memorandum to the home minister on November 5, urging him to take note of circulation of some audio messages online with an intention of spreading communal hatred in the national capital, as well as in other state capitals, and initiate an enquiry into the matter.

THE Communist Movement in Kerala, which has a glorious history of spearheading pro-people movements like land reforms, total literacy mission and people’s planning programme, kick-started another people’s movement (Shuchitwa Keralam) to save the masses from the menace of garbage in the state. CPI (M) workers are leading the people from all walks of life to wipe out the waste and garbage in cities and villages through a decentralised system. Members and leaders from other parties also joined the programme in various districts of the state.

KOZHIKODE, a city which marked many upsurge of people in the history, witnessed another massive rally of workers at the culmination of All India conference of the Construction Workers Federation of India (CWFI). Lakhs and lakhs of workers including women from the construction field pledged through their slogans in the huge rally to fight against the anti-labour policies of the incumbent government.

TEA workers in West Bengal showed exemplary unity in the two-day strike in gardens, demanding minimum wages and implementation of labour laws. On November 11-12, a complete shutdown was observed in tea gardens of five northern districts, at the call of the joint forum of struggling workers, comprising 23 trade unions. On those two days, thousands of workers marched in the streets, demonstrated in front of garden gates and chased away any attempt of mischief. On the 12th, in another unprecedented action, a general strike was observed in three districts and adjoining areas of two other.