Himachal Farmers Reject New Agricultural Policies

DESPITE heavy snowfall, farmers gathered to burn copies of the newly proposed National Agricultural Market Policy, which threatens their livelihoods. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, state president of the Kisan Sabha, addressed the protestors, sharply criticising the Modi-led NDA government for its anti-farmer stance since taking power.

Cuba Denounces The United States Blockade: A March against Imperial Ignominy

ON December 20th, from various territories of the country, the Cuban people, lead by the historical leaders of the Cuba Revolucition and the Presindent Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, endorsed the demand for the cessation of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against the Caribbean island and for the permanence of the Antillean nation on the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

On that day, the current US administration had exactly 30 days left to finish its term in office.

PARLIAMENT ROUND-UP: A Session That Set New Lows

As the Modi government played a central role in disrupting proceedings, Amit Shah undermined Ambedkar’s legacy THE Winter Session of the Parliament, held from November 25 to December 20, 2024, marked by unprecedented disruptions and acrimony, brought to the fore the ruling party’s contempt for parliamentary democracy.

Delhi: A Sweet Victory at Adani-owned Ambuja Cements, Dadri

WHEN we came to Ambuja Cements, Dadri, we saw that the workers were being exploited a lot here. They were forced to produce more and if they did not, they were pressurised to do so. They were removed from duty for two to three days. One day, three of them were thrown out without any reason and the management challenged them to resort to any course knowing full well they are unorganised. Then all the workers came to an understanding to form a union and found out which was the best union. A few comrades from Bathinda contacted CITU central office.

RSS Chief’s Double Speak

WHAT is one to make of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s speech regarding the raking up of new temple/mosque disputes? In his speech in Pune on December 19, Bhagwat disapproved of the raking up of new temple/mosque disputes. He said that Ram temple was a matter of faith for Hindus. Construction of the Ram mandir in Ayodhya, which was a matter of faith for Hindus, should not lead to further actions. In conclusion, he said “Every day, a new matter (dispute) is being raked up. How can this be allowed? This cannot continue”. This speech has led to varying interpretations.

Punjab State Conference of CPI(M)

THE 24th CPI(M) State Conference of Punjab was held at Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall, Jalandhar, on December 9-10, 2024. The conference began with the flag hoisting by the senior-most delegate, Sital Singh Sangha and paying of tributes at the Martyrs' Column.A presidium comprising Major Singh Bhikhiwind, Gurdarshan Singh Khaspur, Abdul Sattar, Parshotam Lal Bilga, and Harpreet Kaur Chabal conducted the proceedings of the conference. A total of 239 delegates and observers participated in the conference.

Rajasthan State Conference of CPI(M)

THE 24th State Conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajasthan was successfully held in Hanumangarh from December 13 to 15, 2024, with conference venues named as Sitaram Yechury Nagar, Brij Lal Bhadu Manch, and Bijla Singh Hall.On the first day, December 13, a big rally and public meeting was organised. Thousands of people participated in the public meeting, with remarkable participation from women. The meeting was presided over by Atma Singh. It was addressed by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat and Central Committee member Vijoo Krishnan.

The Week in Parliament

THE winter session of parliament witnessed a weeklong standoff between the opposition and the treasury benches over issues such as the indictment of the Adanis in the US in an alleged bribery case, the violence in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, and the Centre’s denial of relief fund to those affected by landslides in Wayanad in Kerala. The standoff, which led to House proceedings being stalled, came to an end after the Opposition parties and the central government reached a consensus to take up a discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

Electricity Workers in Struggle

THE third term of the Modi government seems to be more aggressive than its previous two terms, particularly in its current onslaught against the electricity sector. Notably, there has been a direct and overt attempt to privatise various State-owned DISCOMs in regions like Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. In addition, the government has launched a widespread push for privatisation through the implementation of private-sector smart metering across nearly all states.

Two CITU Railway Unions Win Recognition in Railway Secret Ballot Election

FOLLOWING a Delhi High Court order to conduct a secret ballot election for the recognition of railway trade unions (i.e., verification of membership in Indian Railways) in a case filed by the Dakshin Railway Employees Union (DREU) in Southern Railway, an affiliate of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), elections were held on December 4, 5, and 6, 2024.

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