THE 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) notes with grave concern the growing threats posed to higher education by the promotion of commercial interests, by the pursuit of an explicit communal agenda, and by means of the centralisation of decision-making powers in higher education.  In the last four years of BJP-rule, democratic bodies in institutes of higher education have been systematically undermined through the use of notifications by the MHRD and the UGC, bypassing consultations with the academic community.

Protesting the excessive hike in third-party insurance of transport vehicles, the All India Road Transport Workers Federation (AIRTWF) held a dharna in front of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) headquarters in Hyderabad on May 14.The AIRTWF, with the support of the Lorry Owners’ Association of Tamil Nadu and Telangana and Driving Schools’ Association of Tamil Nadu, submitted a memorandum to the chairman of IRDA, demanding the withdrawal of enhanced premiums.R Lakshmaiah, deputy general secretary of AIRTWF, alleged that the IRDA and the government are making scapegoa

THE Karnataka election has resulted in a hung Assembly.  The BJP has emerged as the single largest party winning 104 seats but falling short of a majority by eight;   the Congress was defeated getting only 78 seats and the Janata Dal (Secular) got 37 seats and its ally BSP won 1.The Congress decided to support the JD(S) leader, H D Kumaraswamy, to form the government and together they have a majority of 116 MLAs.

HUNDREDS of CPI(M) activists gathered at the office of Resident Commissioner of the government of West Bengal on May 16, 2018, to protest against the murderous attack  on CPI(M) cadres in the state. In the recently held panchayat elections more than 40 people were killed. Among them large number were from minorities, dalit and tribal communities. Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat said that this Mamta Brand Murder of Democracy has two aspects.

AS apprehended, West Bengal witnessed massive violence and murderous attacks on people during voting in the panchayat election on May 14. TMC armed gangs captured hundreds of booths in almost all districts, chased away voters and cordoned off villages to force people to remain indoors. Opposition polling agents were driven out from booths. The ruling party goons fired on people, hurled bombs and in many cases snatched ballot boxes.In the mayhem, 29 people have been killed.