THE CPI(M) has been staunchly defending the people’s rights in Kashmir Valley -- combating the designs of secessionist elements and fighting the police and military excesses. Though a small political player in Jammu and Kashmir, with just one MLA, the party has suffered immensely at the hand of terrorists. Nearly 50 comrades have lost their lives, but not one from the BJP, the party that sings the rhetoric of nationalism.

THE peasantry in Rajasthan under the Kisan Sabha banner have won a significant victory after their resolute struggle lasting 13 days. Since September 1, lakhs of farmers gheraoed the different district headquarters on the call of Rajasthan Kisan Sabha for a Mahapadav (sit-in). For three days there was also rasta roko (road blockade) across the state bringing about 20 districts to a standstill. Only ambulances and essential services functioned. The peasant movement received unprecedented support from all sections of the society making it a truly people's movement.

COMRADE Subodh Mehta, veteran leader of CITU and CPI(M) Gujarat committee, passed away on September 1, at Bhavnagar at the age of 90 Years. He was the icon of various movements in Gujarat. He fought many battles for the people of Gujarat. During Maha Gujarat movement, he had played an important role with Lt. Shri Indulal Yagnik. On September 2, his body was kept at the CITU office in Bhavnagar. Thousands of people paid tributes to Subodh Mehta. Shaktisinh Gohel, national leader of Congress also visited the place.

RITABRATA Banerjee, member of the West Bengal state committee of the Party, who was earlier facing disciplinary action, has been summarily expelled for grave anti-Party activities.  This decision was taken unanimously by the West Bengal state secretariat, at its meeting held on September 13, 2017, under Article 19 (13) of the Constitution.

THE political situation in Tamil Nadu is currently characterised by massive protests against the central and state governments on a number of issues facing the people including the agrarian crisis, economic stagnation following demonetisation and GST introduction and the question of exempting the state from the NEET process. There have also been militant working class struggles, with an indefinite strike of more than a million government employees and teachers at all levels slated to commence on September 7.