Message From the Fraternal Parties

Greetings from the Communist Party of Australia

Dear comrades,

Marital Rape Controversy & the Attack On the Democratic Women’s Movement

ANSWERING DMK MP Kanimozhi’s question on whether the Government of India planned to criminalise marital rape, the minister of state for home, Hirabhai Parathibhai Choudhary from Gujarat stated that “It is considered that the concept of marital rape, as understood internationally, cannot be suitably applied in the Indian context due to various factors eg, level of education/illiteracy, poverty, myriad social customs and values, religious beliefs, mindset of the society to treat marriage as a sacrament, etc. (Rajya Sabha Question 656, April 29, 2015).

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT

THE first day of the week began by observing a minute's silence in memory of those killed in the devastating earthquake in Nepal and parts of India. Speaking on this, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury expressed sympathy with the people of Nepal and parts of our own country devastated by the earthquake and said on behalf of CPI(M) funds will be collected across the country to help the affected people. The government should put in place a structure so that there should be a medium for whatever resources are collected.

Historic Solidarity Action to Protect Land Rights & Resist Land Grab

THOUSANDS of peasants and agricultural workers converged in Bangalore on April 28, 2015 in an unprecedented solidarity action to convey a resounding “No” to the draconian Land Acquisition Ordinance brought by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government and assert their rights over land and water. A unique issue-based unity comprising of 12 organisations of peasants, agricultural workers, devadasi women, dalits, adivasis and small planters was built, described by some as a trend-setter for future politics in Karnataka.

Historic Strike of Road Transport Workers a Grand Success

THE one-day national strike of road transport workers on April 30 demanding withdrawal of the draconian Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015, to be tabled in Parliament, was a grand success and historical. The strike call was given by national-level road transport workers’ federations affiliated to CITU, AITUC, INTUC, BMS, HMS, AICCTU, LPF and independent state unions. Around 2 crores workers participated in the strike with most vehicles staying off the roads. The countrywide strike was for the first time in the history of India.

Party Congress Resolutions

Resist Pro-Corporate Anti-Poor Union Budget

The 21st Congress of the CPI(M) points out that the Union Budget of 2015-16 reveals the ruthless manner in which the Modi Government is implementing its neoliberal agenda. The Budget is an exercise in the transfer of resources to big corporations and the rich.

Eleven Questions to the Prime Minster

The following is the text of an open letter to the prime minister, written by Hannan Mollah, general secretary of All India Kisan Sabha on April 25, on agrarian distress, farm suicides and land bill.

TRIPURA: Left Front Sweeps ADC Polls For the Third Consecutive Term

IN keeping with the expectations, the Left Front recorded a resounding victory in the 7th general elections of the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council. In the results declared on May 6, Left Front candidates emerged victorious in all the 28 seats reaffirming its continuation in office for the third consecutive term. Left Front secured a decisive 54.29 per cent of the total votes polled leaving behind all the other opposition parties. Out of the 28 seats, CPI(M) won in 25 seats while CPI, AIFB and RSP won one seat each.

Vizag Fest Conquers Hearts and Minds of Thousands

VIZAG Fest 2015, organised as part of the 21st Party Congress of CPI(M), drew a large number of people belonging to different age groups and sections. The festival, an exhibition reflecting the development of Visakhapatnam and north coastal Andhra, their literary, cultural, and fine arts aspects, along with seminars, literary sessions, and a book exhibition, was held at Andhra University Engineering College ground from April 10 to April 19. Those who witnessed the magnificent events at the fest were conquered by its uniqueness and grandeur.

21st Congress of CPI(M) Adopts Draft Political Resolution

ON April 16, in the afternoon session, the Draft Political Resolution was introduced by Prakash Karat, general secretary of the Party. He said the Draft Political Resolution was discussed by the entire Party and amendments and suggestions were sent in strengthening the resolution. This resolution charts out the way for the coming three years and formulates the political tactical line for the coming three years. Highlighting the gravity of the current juncture, he said that the advent of the Modi government represents the consolidation of the rightward shift in Indian politics.

Search form

Peoples Democracy newsletter