CHANGES in estimation methods have of late made statistics on the Indian economy increasingly bewildering; besides, whenever the statistics show the performance of the economy in a poor light, the BJP government simply suppresses them. Nothing however can suppress the fact that the Indian economy is sliding into a serious state of stagnation. The third quarter (October-December) GDP estimates which have just been released show a 4.7 per cent growth over the corresponding quarter last year, which comes on the heels of a 4.5 per cent growth in the second quarter.

THE gruesome communal violence orchestrated by the RSS-BJP combine has led to loss of more than 44 lives, extensive destruction of homes, property and livelihoods in North East Delhi. Most of the affected belong to unorganised sector workers, migrant workers and lower middle class households from both the communities. The role of the police and the BJP government at the centre are highly condemnable. Hundreds had to flee their homes and are staying in shelter homes.

KANPUR Dehat district is just a few kilometers from Kanpur city, with its factories—though many of them are closed—and its malls and urban glitz. Kanpur city can lead people to believe, sometimes, that we have reached the 21st century. Kanpur can also breed the realisation of still being in the 20th century. And it has places, which can take us back to the 19th century. But yes, overall, the winds of the 21st century have started blowing in Kanpur.It is after you leave the city limits and enter the countryside that the previous centuries surround you on all sides.

THE “Red Book Day” of reading the Communist Manifesto generated great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu and it will not be an exaggeration to say that it has been a great success. Events were organised to mark the day in 1,800 to 2,000 centers all over Tamil Nadu.After the initiation by LeftWord, the publisher Bharathi Puthakalayam in Tamil Nadu took many commendable steps to lay the ground for this event. The target of 10,000 reading events and sale of 1,00,000 copies of the Manifesto was fixed. In order to make it possible a fresh translation in Tamil was planned.

CPI(M)  Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on February 26THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern and anguish over the communal violence which has engulfed  North East Delhi in the past three days.  20 people have lost their lives and hundreds injured due to attacks by gangs of men who were bent upon creating communal clashes.  That many of those who have died and were injured suffered gunshot wounds indicates the role of anti-social and criminal elements.