‘Agnipath’ a Frontal Attack on Rural India

MODI promised one-rank-one-pension (OROP) to the armed forces personnel in his quest to capture Delhi in 2014. After eight years all he has ended up giving is no-rank-no-pension (NRNP). He has administered another rude shock to the Indian armed forces by launching the ‘Agnipath’ scheme of recruiting 46,000 soldiers for a short period of 4 years.The maverick policy thrust down the institution's throat has left the armed forces leadership in a state of stupor and sent shock waves through rural India.

From Siachen to Agnipath: Unravelling of the Pseudo-Patriotic Narrative

IT was half a century back. The Indian government headed by Indira Gandhi had made up its mind to extend full military support to the Bangladesh liberation struggle in 1971. A substantial political stake was involved to go for an early strike. But before starting the campaign, the then PM summoned the army chief, (the only field Marshall so far from the Indian army) Sam Manekshaw. The general put his foot down on operational grounds. He clearly stated that the army needs at least six months to attain military preparedness for a successful campaign. The prime minister had to relent.

Agnipath: A Pernicious Scheme

THE Agnipath scheme, which makes a radical departure in the nature of recruitment of soldiers to the armed forces, has met with widespread opposition from the youth and ex-servicemen of all categories. Despite this fierce opposition, the government has directed the armed forces to go ahead with the new recruitment programme.The objections to the scheme have been well spelt out by various retired senior officers of the armed forces and defence analysts. More importantly, it is the young men, of predominantly rural backgrounds, who have understood the pernicious character of the grandiloq

Rich Tributes Paid to Comrade Sivaji Patnaik

RICH tributes were paid at Bhubaneswar in respect to the memory of Comrade Sivaji Patnaik, veteran leader of CPI(M) and toiling people of Odisha. Comrade Patnaik breathed his last at the age of 92 after a brief illness in a hospital in Bhubaneswar on May 23. In a state-level condolence meeting held in Institution of Engineers Hall of Bhubaneswar on June 10, Sitaram Yechury, general secretary CPI(M), Surjyakanta Mishra, Member of Polit Bureau with hundreds of Party workers joined the condolence meeting.Janardan Pati, a member of the Odisha state secretariat presided over the meeting.

GMP-TYF Rally Resolves to Frustrate Plot to Break tribal-non-tribal Unity

ON June 11, red and green streams of tribal people, symbolising GMP and TYF and hailing from the hills of Tripura, had come down to Agartala and practically took over the capital city heralding the message that howsoever mighty the ruling forces may be, they must face the ire of the people if they do not perform.

Tripura Assembly By-Election: An Acid Test before the Battle for Democracy

BY-ELECTION to four assembly seats in Tripura is scheduled to be held on June 23. Out of the four vacant seats, three belonged to the ruling BJP and one to the CPI(M). Of the three BJP seats, two MLAs representing Agartala and Town Bordwali constituencies resigned from the assembly and then joined the Congress. The BJP MLA from Surma (SC) constituency revolted against the government and the party and joined the TMC and thereby attracting anti-defection law and losing his membership in the assembly. Now he is reported to have left the TMC, alleging a nexus between BJP and TMC.

Mission 360: Constructive Alternatives

CPI(M) IN WEST BENGAL has decided to go for alternative actions, particularly in education, public health and self-help with a constructive agenda. Termed “Mission 360” these activities will help to build alternative education centres and public health centres in every district. While intensifying the struggle for livelihood, it will also strive to help people with alternative ways of income.CPI(M) state secretary, Mohammad Salim has explained that attacks on peoples’ lives in all spheres have increased. In such a scenario, the Party has to stand by the people in all respects.

India: Where the Fringe is Above the Law

IN history there are few precedents for the bulldozer demolitions of houses of Muslims taking place in BJP-ruled states across India accusing them of being “ rioters” without due process of law. In Nazi Germany on November 9-10, 1938, the fascist gangs of Hitler’s party went on a rampage using sledge hammers to damage the properties of the Jews while a 'benevolent' police force looked on. Those terrible days came to be known as Kristallnacht— the night of broken glass— that littered the streets from the broken windows and doors of Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues.

Scrap the ‘Agnipath Scheme’

CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on June 16, 2022THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly disapproves of the ‘Agnipath’ scheme that does a disservice to India’s national interests. Professional armed forces cannot be raised by recruiting ‘soldiers on contract’ for a period of four years. This scheme, to save pension money, severely compromises the quality and efficiency of our professional armed forces.For the last two years, there has been no recruitment in the Indian army.

Appeal for Peace: Take Firm Action against Two Offenders

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on June 11, 2022.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern at the incidents of violence which have occurred in Ranchi, Howrah and some other places during protests against the offensive remarks against Prophet Muhammad made by two BJP spokespersons.

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