Thinking Together

a) Though we have more than 10.58 lakh Party Members (after the 20th Congress) throughout the country we failed to expand our strength except in three states ie, West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura since the formation of the CPI(M) in 1964. What are the drawbacks/lapses of the Party?

b) In the recent state assembly election in five states, except Kerala, the poor electoral performance in other states are very much unsatisfactory which needs proper review and thorough examination before Lok Sabha election in 2019. What is your view on the matter?
Gopal Krishna Seal, Kolkata

Brexit: Freed from EU Shackles

FROM the barrage mounted by the corporate media globally, it would appear that the decision of the people of Britain to quit the European Union is an unmitigated disaster for Britain, for Europe and for the world. There are mournful requiems for the end of globalisation and a “liberal-capitalist” order. The crash in the world’s stock exchanges and financial markets indicate who is really hurt by “Brexit” – the masters of big finance and the banks. But there is an alternative view about the referendum held in Britain on whether it should remain in, or, leave the European Union.

NSG Fiasco

THE Modi government has suffered a humiliating setback in its frantic efforts to acquire membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The diplomatic effort to enlist support for the NSG membership was led by Prime Minister Modi himself. In the run-up to the Seoul meeting of the NSG, Modi visited Switzerland and Mexico to muster support from these countries. The 48-member NSG works on the basis of consensus. In the Seoul meeting, ten countries did not agree to take up India’s membership in the NSG at this stage.

Rajan’s Exit

AN absurd debate has been going on for some time in India.

Liberalisation of Land Leasing: What It Means for Odisha?

THE Modi government’s NITI Aayog seeks the extension of liberalisation to the sector of land leasing. It has brought out a document, titled “Report of the Expert Committee on Land Leasing”, on March 31, 2016. A “Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2016” is enclosed with this document for consideration by the state governments for initiation of legislation in their respective assemblies as it happens to be a subject under the state list of the Constitution.

RSS-BJP Mounts Attack on Left in Kerala

AFTER the LDF’s victory in the assembly election in Kerala, the RSS-BJP combine mounted attack on CPI(M) cadres and its offices throughout the state. BJP’s expectation was high, but it won a single seat in the state and increased its vote share. BJP president Amit Shah’s boast of the party’s tally reaching double-digit figure fell in the ground. Naturally, their ire has been directed against the Left Democratic Front, particularly the CPI(M).After the election, RSS-backed goons have killed two CPI(M) cadres.

Himachal Pradesh: Workers Protest against Contractors-Govt Nexus

CITU-affiliated workers at the under-construction 450-MW Shong Thong-Karchham hydroelectric project on Sutlej river have been on strike for the last three months over several demands, including payment of wages. Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (HPPCL) is constructing this power project through Patel Engineering Ltd., which has further sublet works to more than 20 local contractors.

EMS Smrithi 2016 Attempts a Rainbow Coalition of the Political Left, Intellectuals & Social Movements for a Progressive ‘Idea of India’

MORE than 1000 delegates converged in Thrissur on June 13-14, for the EMS Smrithi 2016, on the ‘Idea of India – A New Agenda for Social, Economic and Environmental Justice’. The national discourse was organised in the context of the current political and economic challenges under the right wing NDA government with the intent to create a rainbow platform to not just resist the communal and pro-corporate policies but also to articulate an alternate economic paradigm.

Two Years of Modi-led BJP Government and Corruption

EVERYONE remembers that during the Lok Sabha election campaign by Narendra Modi he had promised ‘Na Khaunga, na Khane Doonga” (will not take bribes, nor allow anyone else to do so)

100 Percent FDI in Defence: How Wrong Can You Get?

A GOLDEN Raspberry Award or Razzie has been awarded in Hollywood every year since 1981 to the film declared to be the worst movie of the year just a day before the Oscars. If there were a Razzie for the worst public policy in India in the recent past, it would certainly go to the Modi government’s announcement of opening up the defence manufacturing sector to 100 percent FDI with relaxed norms.

Search form

Peoples Democracy newsletter