Agrarian Perspective on ‘Holy Cow’ Debate

THE April 1 lynching of dairy farmer Pehlu Khan by cow vigilantes belonging to the VHP and the Bajrang Dal in Alwar in Rajasthan has brought to the national attention the agrarian aspects of the debate surrounding ban on cow slaughter. The moral and law and order aspects of the unbridled series of criminal onslaught on innocent persons belonging to the Muslim community by the Sangh Parivar, with the backing of the BJP-led governments, are of grave importance that in the long run could devastate the unity and integrity of the people and the country.

May Day: Political Tasks for the Working Class

MAY Day, the traditional day for working class solidarity, is being celebrated around the world by workers, trade unions and political parties linked to the working class.It is an appropriate occasion to assess the worldwide political currents and how they relate to and affect the working class movement and Left politics. The past year has seen a further shift to the right in most of the advanced capitalist countries. The election of Trump as President in the United States came in the wake of the growing popularity of extreme right and xenophobic parties in Europe. The increase in the s

Thinking Together

Q: The BJP government has announced a loan waiver for marginal and small farmers up to Rs One lakh. What is the CPI(M) stand on waiver of farmers’ loans? Can it be justified for all farmers? S ManickamChennai CPI(M) views waiver of farmers’ loans as a necessary step in times of agrarian crisis, crop loss and loss of livelihood due to natural calamities like floods and droughts.

BJP Leader’s EVM Assertion: Slip of Tongue about a Hidden Agenda?

ASTONISHING the democracy-loving people of Tripura, BJP state president Biplab Deb boastfully declared: “As election was held in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, it will recur in Tripura. Even if (Chief Minister) Manik Sarkar himself casts his vote for his party, that will be recorded in favour of lotus (BJP’s poll symbol).

LETTER: ‘EVMs to be used in Tripura elections must be linked with VVPAT’

THE president of the Tripura unit of BJP, Biplab Deb, has in a public meeting, cast aspersions on the objectivity and fairness of the electronic voting machines and dared the chief minister of Tripura to lodge a complaint against him. This comes in the background of the widespread apprehensions about EVMs. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has written a letter to the chief election commissioner on April 15, demanding among other things that in elections in Tripura, EVMs with voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) should be used.

TELANGANA: Relay Hunger Strike for Protection of Dharna Chowk

THE Left parties, including the CPI(M), and various mass organisations commenced relay hunger strike demanding the TRS government to continue the dharna chowk at Indira Park in Hyderabad. Started by the Left parties on April 15, the relay hunger strikes by different mass organisations and different sections of the people would continue till the 14th May and culminate into occupation of Dharna Chowk on the 15th May.

Generic Prescribing of Medicines: Diktats are Not a Substitute for Sound Public Policy

IN a recent public meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would take steps to reduce costs incurred on purchase of medicines by making it mandatory for doctors to prescribe medicines in generic name. In itself such a step by the government would be welcome. Unfortunately past experience shows that such pronouncements are mere empty promises that have no relation to the situation on the ground.

On Incidents in Kashmir

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on April 15.THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep outrage over reports of a Kashmiri youth being tied on a jeep belonging to central security forces ostensibly to be used as a shield against stone-pelters.

Alarming Rural Distress

THE incidence of rural distress is assuming alarming proportions in many parts of the country. In those areas which are either perennially prone to drought or have suffered drought-like conditions in the last two years, the situation is nothing short of deadly.

Himachal Pradesh: Kisan Sabha Holds Massive Rally

THOUSANDS of farmers under the banner of Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha (affiliated to AIKS) marched to Shimla and had a massive protest at the state secretariat on April 5, seeking redressal of the burning problems of the peasantry. Over five thousand farmers from across Himachal Pradesh joined the protest. Braving heavy rain they marched determined to fight for their legitimate rights.The peasantry in the state are in extreme distress due to the anti-peasant policies of the Congress-led state government as well as BJP-led central government and the demonetisation move has hit them hard.

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