[Statement issued by the West Bengal State committee of the CPI(M)]
The Bengal unit of the CPI (M) has said in a statement released to the media by central committee member of the CPI (M) Nirupam Sen that "from 3 January the Trinamul Congress in the name of the Jami Ucchhed Pratirodh Samity ('committee to prevent eviction from land') has been engaged in looting, terrorising, and assaults in wide areas of Nandigram.
They have been found to be extracting forcefully large amounts of cash from the villagers. Their attacks have largely been limited until 14 march to roughly four-and-a-half Gram Panchayats of the Nandigram 1 block. The terrorist activities in the name of prevention of eviction from land continued even after the declaration by the state Left front government that no chemical hub would be set up at Nandigram.
On the other hand, after the middle of March, these elements started to extend their attacks beyond the four-and-a-half Gram Panchayats to areas like Gokulnagar, Samsabad, Satengabari, Maheshpur, Brindabanchak, and Kanungochak. Since then, CPI (M) and Left Front workers and supporters have been rendered homeless and evicted from these locales as well.
On 25 April, the Trinamul Congress activists redoubled their vicious and violent attacks following a very provoking speech given at a meeting at Garchakraberia by the Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee. Fresh assaults started to be organised in different areas. On 27 April, the Left Front organised a rally at Chowringhee Bazaar area of Nandigram with the aim of restoration of peace and amity. Armed Trinamul Congress goons attacked the rally and lobbed bombs. They attacked the local CPI MLA Iliyas Mohammad and injured him.
On 29 April, early in the morning 50 - 60 armed Trinamul Congress workers organised assaults in villages like Gokulnagar, Samsabad, Satengabari, Brindabanchak, Bahargunj, and Jambari. These villages are situated on the borderlines of Nandigram 1, Nandigram 2 and Khejuri blocks. A villager Dilip Mondal who is a CPI (M) supporter was working in the field when Trinamul Congress activists attacked him, slashed open his stomach, and left him to die from sheer shock and massive bleeding. The goons then attacked and killed another CPI (M) supporter Mohitosh Karan (36) and decamped with his body. Those attacked and injured include Pintu Burman, Hiran Bibi, and four others.
The opposition including the Trinamul Congress and the Pradesh congress have not responded to the effort initiated by the state government to bring back peace in the area. The continuous attack on the CPI (M) workers and supporters make it quite clear that the opposition elements aim only at carrying on unrest and violence in the locality. They have declared their programme of road blockade and siege around police stations to create afresh lawlessness and disorder in the state in an attempt to shield their own crimes.
The state committee of the CPI (M) strongly condemns the latest instance of attack and calls upon all peace-loving people with good intent from every level to organise protests against the violent attack. A call has been given to CPI (M) units to organise protest rallies and protest marches all over the state between 2 and 4 May.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
On Centre-State Commission
[Press statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M) on 28th April, 2007]
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) is seriously concerned about the terms of reference as well as the composition of the new commission on Centre-State relations announced on April 27, 2007. The terms of reference of the Commission do not include any of the major points in the Centre-State relations such as the needed increase in the share of central taxes for the states, transfer of centrally sponsored schemes in the state subjects to the states and the alleviation of the problem of debt burden on the state, although all these items were emphasised in the National Common Minimum Programme of the UPA.
Moreover, there has been an intrusion into the jurisdiction of the states when in item (j) and (k) of the terms of reference, the issue of suo moto interference in the sphere of law and order as well as suo moto deployment of central forces for certain category of crimes have been mentioned along with the idea of setting up of a central law enforcing agency. These go against the basic issue viz. the law and order being a state subject.
The concern is also about the composition of the commission where no noted expert on centre-state relations has been included.
A convention has been adopted in recent years where even for a Constitutionally mandated commission such as the Finance Commission the states are consulted before the terms of reference of the Commission are published. There has been a gross violation of the convention in this case because the states have not been consulted on the matter. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau is dismayed with the terms of reference and formation of the Commission and strongly urges for a review of the entire matter in the forthcoming meeting of the National Development Council before any final decision is taken.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) is seriously concerned about the terms of reference as well as the composition of the new commission on Centre-State relations announced on April 27, 2007. The terms of reference of the Commission do not include any of the major points in the Centre-State relations such as the needed increase in the share of central taxes for the states, transfer of centrally sponsored schemes in the state subjects to the states and the alleviation of the problem of debt burden on the state, although all these items were emphasised in the National Common Minimum Programme of the UPA.
Moreover, there has been an intrusion into the jurisdiction of the states when in item (j) and (k) of the terms of reference, the issue of suo moto interference in the sphere of law and order as well as suo moto deployment of central forces for certain category of crimes have been mentioned along with the idea of setting up of a central law enforcing agency. These go against the basic issue viz. the law and order being a state subject.
The concern is also about the composition of the commission where no noted expert on centre-state relations has been included.
A convention has been adopted in recent years where even for a Constitutionally mandated commission such as the Finance Commission the states are consulted before the terms of reference of the Commission are published. There has been a gross violation of the convention in this case because the states have not been consulted on the matter. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau is dismayed with the terms of reference and formation of the Commission and strongly urges for a review of the entire matter in the forthcoming meeting of the National Development Council before any final decision is taken.
Nandigram: "burnt body of a child" turns out to be burnt synthetic piping
MUCH noise had been made in the first week of April over the alleged 'discovery' and unearthing of the 'body of a murdered child' at Sonachura village at Nandigram. That was the time when the corporate media was trying desperately to drum up the waning support for the Trinamul Congress-Naxalite-SUCI combine and looking for suitable 'evidence' against 'CPI(M)'s misdeeds.'
The 'body of a child' was 'discovered' in the courtyard of the burnt out house of the murdered CPI(M) worker Shankar Samanta who had been burnt alive there. Dozen-odd TV cameras rolled and the viewers were treated to the sight of a bit a blackened material that was held aloft amidst much breast-beating and proclaimed by the local Trinamul Congress MLA as 'one of the children brutally done away with by the CPI(M) workers on March 14 when the police had fired to disperse a big, armed and violent crowd.
LIES AND SLANDERS
The TV channels started to show the 'act' of the burnt out material being picked up, and bagged, and then taken for forensic examination repeatedly, to mournful music for weeks on end. A poet of a certain political persuasion started to call for the 'head of at least five CPI(M) workers every morning as a bounden duty of all citizens.'
A few other 'intellectuals' and TV anchors went ahead to declare with a great deal of conviction and at regular intervals that very soon, tons of women's wear would be unearthed from the area. One daily discovered in the burnt material, 'at least three pieces of bones.' Another ran a four-column headline about the unearthing of a half-burnt body from the 'house of a CPI(M) leader.' Yet another noted that not one but two 'rotting' bodies had been dug up.
Finally the forensic report revealed that the burnt material was nothing but a bit of synthetic piping that people often use for water connection, and the pipe had been burnt up along with the large portions of the house of Comrade Shankar Samanta when the entire enclosure including the haystack was set on fire by Trinamul Congress and Naxalite killers and Comrade Shankar burnt alive.
The corporate media especially the TV channels have maintained a stoical silence over the latest development. We have no doubt that the print media would follow suit. Truth is something that these worthies are mortally afraid to confront.
The 'body of a child' was 'discovered' in the courtyard of the burnt out house of the murdered CPI(M) worker Shankar Samanta who had been burnt alive there. Dozen-odd TV cameras rolled and the viewers were treated to the sight of a bit a blackened material that was held aloft amidst much breast-beating and proclaimed by the local Trinamul Congress MLA as 'one of the children brutally done away with by the CPI(M) workers on March 14 when the police had fired to disperse a big, armed and violent crowd.
LIES AND SLANDERS
The TV channels started to show the 'act' of the burnt out material being picked up, and bagged, and then taken for forensic examination repeatedly, to mournful music for weeks on end. A poet of a certain political persuasion started to call for the 'head of at least five CPI(M) workers every morning as a bounden duty of all citizens.'
A few other 'intellectuals' and TV anchors went ahead to declare with a great deal of conviction and at regular intervals that very soon, tons of women's wear would be unearthed from the area. One daily discovered in the burnt material, 'at least three pieces of bones.' Another ran a four-column headline about the unearthing of a half-burnt body from the 'house of a CPI(M) leader.' Yet another noted that not one but two 'rotting' bodies had been dug up.
Finally the forensic report revealed that the burnt material was nothing but a bit of synthetic piping that people often use for water connection, and the pipe had been burnt up along with the large portions of the house of Comrade Shankar Samanta when the entire enclosure including the haystack was set on fire by Trinamul Congress and Naxalite killers and Comrade Shankar burnt alive.
The corporate media especially the TV channels have maintained a stoical silence over the latest development. We have no doubt that the print media would follow suit. Truth is something that these worthies are mortally afraid to confront.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Gujarat encounter killings
[Statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M).]
The arrest of three senior Gujarat IPS officers for the murder in a fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh reveals the lawlessness of the authorities and the shocking state of affairs under the Modi government. But it is the tip of the iceberg. There have been reportedly a dozen "encounters" by the Gujarat police since 2002. The present arrests were made only because of the courage shown by the brother of the deceased to take the case to the Supreme Court which ordered the Gujarat Government to conduct a CID enquiry. The Gujarat Government's shameful communal stance provides the cover for delinquent police officers to kill innocent people with no fear of questions being asked as long as they are termed terrorists and as long as they belong to the minority community.
The conduct of the Gujarat Government in the case including taking the case away from the CID officer after she filed the damning interim report makes it clear that the Government cannot be entrusted with the case. This is all the more so since the BJP Home Minister of Rajasthan has defended one of the accused police personnel who is from Rajasthan. Moreover the wife of the deceased is still missing and feared murdered.
In these circumstances, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands a CBI investigation into the case of the murder of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his missing wife, and also an investigation into such encounter killings since 2002.
The arrest of three senior Gujarat IPS officers for the murder in a fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh reveals the lawlessness of the authorities and the shocking state of affairs under the Modi government. But it is the tip of the iceberg. There have been reportedly a dozen "encounters" by the Gujarat police since 2002. The present arrests were made only because of the courage shown by the brother of the deceased to take the case to the Supreme Court which ordered the Gujarat Government to conduct a CID enquiry. The Gujarat Government's shameful communal stance provides the cover for delinquent police officers to kill innocent people with no fear of questions being asked as long as they are termed terrorists and as long as they belong to the minority community.
The conduct of the Gujarat Government in the case including taking the case away from the CID officer after she filed the damning interim report makes it clear that the Government cannot be entrusted with the case. This is all the more so since the BJP Home Minister of Rajasthan has defended one of the accused police personnel who is from Rajasthan. Moreover the wife of the deceased is still missing and feared murdered.
In these circumstances, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands a CBI investigation into the case of the murder of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his missing wife, and also an investigation into such encounter killings since 2002.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
OBC reservation: Supreme Court's stay
[Statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M)]
It is regrettable that the two-member bench of the Supreme Court has refused to vacate the stay on the implementation of the 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in the centrally-run educational institutions.
Given the fact that Parliament amended the Constitution through the 93rd Constitutional Amendment to pave the way for such reservation, it is now incumbent upon Parliament, which is meeting soon, to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Constitutional direction is upheld and the legislation gets implemented.
It is regrettable that the two-member bench of the Supreme Court has refused to vacate the stay on the implementation of the 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in the centrally-run educational institutions.
Given the fact that Parliament amended the Constitution through the 93rd Constitutional Amendment to pave the way for such reservation, it is now incumbent upon Parliament, which is meeting soon, to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Constitutional direction is upheld and the legislation gets implemented.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Condemn murder of CPI(M) leader
[Press statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M)]
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemns the killing of Com. Inderjeet Singh, member of the Punjab State Committee of the Party and Secretary of its Patiala District Committee. Com. Inderjeet was brutally attacked by a gang of goondas led by Shamsher Singh Lala on April 4, 2007. He succumbed to his injuries yesterday at the Government Hospital, Chandigarh.
Inderjeet had incurred the wrath of the goondas as he took up the case of a Dalit girl who had been raped by Shamsher Singh. He doggedly pursued the case resulting in the accused being sentenced to ten years imprisonment. It is in revenge for this, that he has been murdered. The Polit Bureau demands the severest punishment for the murderers.
Inderjeet Singh has laid down his life in the finest traditions of the Communist Party for steadfastly championing the cause of the oppressed. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife and children.
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemns the killing of Com. Inderjeet Singh, member of the Punjab State Committee of the Party and Secretary of its Patiala District Committee. Com. Inderjeet was brutally attacked by a gang of goondas led by Shamsher Singh Lala on April 4, 2007. He succumbed to his injuries yesterday at the Government Hospital, Chandigarh.
Inderjeet had incurred the wrath of the goondas as he took up the case of a Dalit girl who had been raped by Shamsher Singh. He doggedly pursued the case resulting in the accused being sentenced to ten years imprisonment. It is in revenge for this, that he has been murdered. The Polit Bureau demands the severest punishment for the murderers.
Inderjeet Singh has laid down his life in the finest traditions of the Communist Party for steadfastly championing the cause of the oppressed. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) conveys its heartfelt condolences to his wife and children.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
On BJP MP Babubhai Katara's Arrest
[Press statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M)]
The arrest of BJP MP, Babu Bhai Katara, in attempting to smuggle out a woman and a boy to Canada is a shocking and disgraceful incident. The fact that Katara was using the diplomatic passports issued to his wife and son for this mercenary purpose reflects badly on his status as a parliament member and his party.
Stringent action should be taken under the law against the MP who also happens to be a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader in Gujarat. As for the Bharatiya Janata Party, it should come to terms with the reality. This episode has come soon after six of its MPs were expelled from parliament for accepting bribes for questions. The BJP, instead of talking about its clean image and "su-raj" should ponder why it has become a refuge for venal and corrupt people.
The arrest of BJP MP, Babu Bhai Katara, in attempting to smuggle out a woman and a boy to Canada is a shocking and disgraceful incident. The fact that Katara was using the diplomatic passports issued to his wife and son for this mercenary purpose reflects badly on his status as a parliament member and his party.
Stringent action should be taken under the law against the MP who also happens to be a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader in Gujarat. As for the Bharatiya Janata Party, it should come to terms with the reality. This episode has come soon after six of its MPs were expelled from parliament for accepting bribes for questions. The BJP, instead of talking about its clean image and "su-raj" should ponder why it has become a refuge for venal and corrupt people.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
CPI(M) leaders meet PM On Sachar recommendations
[Press release issued by the CPI(M) on 12th April, 2007]
A delegation of the CPI(M) consisting of General Secretary, Prakash Karat and Polit Bureau members S Ramachandran Pillai and Brinda Karat met the Prime Minister today.
They submitted "A Charter for the Advancement of the Muslim Community" which has been prepared by the CPI(M). The Charter was adopted by the CPI(M) keeping in view the Justice Sachar Committee report and recommendations.
The CPI(M) urged the Prime Minister to put in place a sub-plan for the Muslim minority on the lines of the tribal sub-plan. This should entail a specific budgetary allocation in all development schemes for the Muslims. The Charter has also proposed steps for increasing the educational and employment opportunities for the Muslim community.
The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the government is giving serious consideration to the Sachar Committee recommendations and will be coming out with policy measures soon.
A delegation of the CPI(M) consisting of General Secretary, Prakash Karat and Polit Bureau members S Ramachandran Pillai and Brinda Karat met the Prime Minister today.
They submitted "A Charter for the Advancement of the Muslim Community" which has been prepared by the CPI(M). The Charter was adopted by the CPI(M) keeping in view the Justice Sachar Committee report and recommendations.
The CPI(M) urged the Prime Minister to put in place a sub-plan for the Muslim minority on the lines of the tribal sub-plan. This should entail a specific budgetary allocation in all development schemes for the Muslims. The Charter has also proposed steps for increasing the educational and employment opportunities for the Muslim community.
The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the government is giving serious consideration to the Sachar Committee recommendations and will be coming out with policy measures soon.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Don't proceed without changes in SEZ act and rules
[Statement issued by the politbureau of the CPI(M)]
The changes in the Special Economic Zones Policy suggested by the empowered Group of Ministers is totally inadequate and falls far short of what is required. First of all, the eGoM has left the exorbitant and unjustified tax concessions intact. By this, the Government of India stands to lose tens of thousands of crores of rupees in revenue. The iniquitous tax bonanza was one of the basic problems with the SEZ Act and Rules. Without revising these tax concessions the SEZ concept will not find acceptance.
The eGoM has not looked at the proliferation of SEZs. There is an urgent need to review the type of industries to be set up in SEZs and apply sector-wise caps on SEZs. Moreover, the allowance of maximum of 5000 hectares (12500 acres) for multi-product SEZs is uncalled for. The minimum size of 1000 hectares (2500 acres) for the multi-product SEZs has also not been lowered. The CPI (M) is of the firm view that a multi-product SEZ should have a minimum size specified of only 400 hectares (1000 acres) and there should be a ceiling of 2000 hectares (5000 acres).
The CPI (M) does not agree with State governments not being involved in acquisition of land, particularly for those of a larger size. Allowing corporates to buy large tracts of land for SEZs will put small farmers, tenants and agricultural workers at the mercy of land sharks. Moreover, private entities would be able to own, rather than lease, thousands of acres of land subverting Land Ceiling as well as Town Planning Laws. There has to be State intervention to ensure that if any land is being bought, the farmers and others working on land get a fair price. In the absence of any changes in the Land Acquisition Act and a rehabilitation policy which can be legally enforceable, the license being given to corporates to buy land on a large scale will be harmful.
The eGoM has ignored the comprehensive suggestions made by the Left parties. The UPA government should realize that political parties across the board have come out against the present SEZ Act and Rules. The Standing Committee on Commerce is also studying the entire issue. The Government of India should await the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Commerce and reexamine the whole matter rather than taking piecemeal decisions on SEZs.
If the government proceeds with the SEZs in the present form, the matter will have to be taken up in parliament so that the demand for amendments to the SEZ Act and Rules can be dealt with there.
The changes in the Special Economic Zones Policy suggested by the empowered Group of Ministers is totally inadequate and falls far short of what is required. First of all, the eGoM has left the exorbitant and unjustified tax concessions intact. By this, the Government of India stands to lose tens of thousands of crores of rupees in revenue. The iniquitous tax bonanza was one of the basic problems with the SEZ Act and Rules. Without revising these tax concessions the SEZ concept will not find acceptance.
The eGoM has not looked at the proliferation of SEZs. There is an urgent need to review the type of industries to be set up in SEZs and apply sector-wise caps on SEZs. Moreover, the allowance of maximum of 5000 hectares (12500 acres) for multi-product SEZs is uncalled for. The minimum size of 1000 hectares (2500 acres) for the multi-product SEZs has also not been lowered. The CPI (M) is of the firm view that a multi-product SEZ should have a minimum size specified of only 400 hectares (1000 acres) and there should be a ceiling of 2000 hectares (5000 acres).
The CPI (M) does not agree with State governments not being involved in acquisition of land, particularly for those of a larger size. Allowing corporates to buy large tracts of land for SEZs will put small farmers, tenants and agricultural workers at the mercy of land sharks. Moreover, private entities would be able to own, rather than lease, thousands of acres of land subverting Land Ceiling as well as Town Planning Laws. There has to be State intervention to ensure that if any land is being bought, the farmers and others working on land get a fair price. In the absence of any changes in the Land Acquisition Act and a rehabilitation policy which can be legally enforceable, the license being given to corporates to buy land on a large scale will be harmful.
The eGoM has ignored the comprehensive suggestions made by the Left parties. The UPA government should realize that political parties across the board have come out against the present SEZ Act and Rules. The Standing Committee on Commerce is also studying the entire issue. The Government of India should await the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Commerce and reexamine the whole matter rather than taking piecemeal decisions on SEZs.
If the government proceeds with the SEZs in the present form, the matter will have to be taken up in parliament so that the demand for amendments to the SEZ Act and Rules can be dealt with there.
On the UP HC's judgement on the minority status of Muslims
[Statement issued by the polit bureau of the CPI(M)]
A single judge bench of the Allahabad High Court has decreed that Muslims in Uttar Pradesh cannot be treated as a religious minority. This is a wrong and baseless verdict. It is surprising that such judgements are emanating from the higher judiciary which goes contrary to the basic facts and established law. It is particularly unfortunate that such a judgement has come during the UP assembly elections. The Uttar Pradesh state government and the Central government should take all the necessary steps to see that this judgement is nullified.
A single judge bench of the Allahabad High Court has decreed that Muslims in Uttar Pradesh cannot be treated as a religious minority. This is a wrong and baseless verdict. It is surprising that such judgements are emanating from the higher judiciary which goes contrary to the basic facts and established law. It is particularly unfortunate that such a judgement has come during the UP assembly elections. The Uttar Pradesh state government and the Central government should take all the necessary steps to see that this judgement is nullified.
Take strong action against BJP CD
[Statement issued by the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M)]
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) condemns the communal and inflammatory propaganda that the BJP has launched in Uttar Pradesh through the CD officially released by the party. The CD is a shocking example of hate campaign against the Muslim community. The Election Commission should take strong action against the party which has an infamous record of indulging in communal politics and instigating communal tensions for electoral gains.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) condemns the communal and inflammatory propaganda that the BJP has launched in Uttar Pradesh through the CD officially released by the party. The CD is a shocking example of hate campaign against the Muslim community. The Election Commission should take strong action against the party which has an infamous record of indulging in communal politics and instigating communal tensions for electoral gains.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Central Committee Communique
The Central Committee of the CPI(M) met in New Delhi from March 31 to April 2, 2007. It has issued the following statement:
Inflation & Price Rise
The Central Committee noted with concern that the rate of inflation continues to be high with the wholesale price index registering an increase of 6.42 per cent on March 2. The continuous price rise of food items and essential commodities is having a deleterious affect on the lives of the people. The UPA government failed to take prompt measures required to tackle inflation and the price rise.
The Central Committee criticised the government for not putting curbs on futures trading in essential commodities and revising the petroleum tax structure. It has weakened the public distribution system instead of strengthening it and failed to ensure adequate procurement of foodgrains. The CPI(M) had demanded a rollback in the petroleum prices to the pre-June 2006 level. The government met this demand only partially in December 2006 and belatedly reduced the prices to the 2006 level in mid-February after the inflation had gone out of control.
In the Union Budget, the government has confined itself to reduce the ad valorem duty on petroleum products by 2 per cent instead of doing away with the ad valorem structure itself. After resisting the demand that futures trading in foodgrains be halted, on the eve of the budget, the government announced a ban on futures trading in wheat and rice. The government has not accepted the recommendations of the standing committee of parliament on curbing futures trading.
The Central Committee has called upon all its Party units to step up the struggle against price rise with the demand for urgent steps to strengthen and expand the public distribution system and firm action against hoarding and speculation in essential commodities There has to be a stoppage of futures trading in all essential commodities and revision of the petroleum tax structure, doing away with the ad valorem system.
FDI and Organised Sector in Retail Trade
The Central Committee reiterated its opposition to opening up retail trade to FDI. In this connection, the Central Committee condemned the moves to open upon FDI in retail in a piecemeal fashion. The commerce minister has floated the proposal of opening up more sectors for FDI in retail trade like sports goods, electrical and consumer electronic goods.
The other danger is the entry on a large scale of the organised sector with big companies entering the retail trade. The impact of organised trade entry is similar to that of FDI in retail trade in displacing small shopkeepers and traders. There has to be regulations and curbs on the organised sector in the retail trade.
SEZs
The Central Committee demanded that the Central government make substantial changes in the SEZ Act and rules on the lines of the proposals made by the Left parties. There has to be an upper limit on the land provided for SEZs. The CPI(M) has suggested that multi-product SEZs should not have land beyond 2000 hectares. It is also necessary to decide which industries require SEZs. No scope should be given for real estate speculation. The exorbitant tax concessions provided for SEZs must be curtailed.
The CPI(M) cannot accept the SEZ Act and rules in the present form and will continue to demand changes in the SEZ Act and Rules both within and outside parliament.
Supreme Court Stay on OBC Reservation
The Central Committee demanded that the Central Government speedily take steps to overcome the stay given by the two-member bench of the Supreme Court on the implementation of the `Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006' for OBCs in the Centrally run educational institutions.
Judicial Intervention
The Central Committee expressed concern at the growing trend of judicial encroachment in the spheres of the executive and parliament.
The Central Committee expressed its apprehensions on the Supreme Court judgement on the Ninth schedule of the Constitution making laws to be in the Ninth schedule subject to judicial scrutiny. The basic features of the Constitution have not been defined by the Supreme Court in the Keshavanand Bharati case. It is necessary to have a clear definition of the basic features of the Constitution.
Increasingly, the higher judiciary is intervening in favour of the private sector, and the employers. There have been a number of judgments by the Supreme Court in the recent period, which overturned verdicts favouring the workers. At the same time, the trend of curtailing democratic rights and collective action by the higher judiciary continue. The Kerala High Court order banning student organisations and political activities from the campuses is one such instance.
The Central Committee is of the firm opinion that there should be judicial accountability and reforms in the judiciary. A National Judicial Commission which comprises not just serving judges must be constituted for appointment and related issues.
BJP's Disruptive Role
The Central Committee condemned the anti-democratic and disruptive tactics of the BJP in the budget session of parliament. First it raised the Quattrocchi issue to stall parliament and to shout down the railway budget. Using the pretext of the Nandigram incident, it did not allow parliament to function for five successive days. The budget and other important people's issues could not be discussed properly in parliament.
The BJP-RSS combine have stepped up their communal rhetoric which has led to a spate of communal incidents all over the country in the recent period. The worst violence was seen in Gorakhpur and neighbouring districts of Eastern UP where Adithyanath, the BJP MP, played a leading role. In Madhya Pradesh too there have been a number of communal incidents and attacks on minorities.
The Central Committee called upon all its Party units and other secular forces to unitedly counter such communal provocations. The Central Committee welcomed the UPA government's decision to provide financial relief to the victims of the Gujarat communal violence of 2002. The government should identify many others who are not officially listed to provide them compensation too.
Foreign Policy
The Central Committee condemned the continuing US pressures on India to desist from going ahead with the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. This blatant interference in India's sovereign affairs must be rejected and the pipeline project implemented without delay.
Sri Lanka
The Central Committee strongly deplored the escalating military hostilities in Sri Lanka. The military operations of the Sri Lankan armed forces in the North Eastern region and the recent aerial bombing by the LTTE illustrate the dangers of the widening conflict. Since the resumption of hostilities in April 2006, more than 2 lakh Tamil people have been displaced.
The CPI(M) urges the Sri Lankan government to expedite the preparation of the proposals for a political settlement of the Tamil problem. The report of the all-parties conference on the constitutional and political steps for devolution of powers can be the basis for the political framework for a solution.
Nepal
The Central Committee welcomed the formation of the interim government headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala which includes the seven party alliance and the Maoists. This is an important step towards implementing the agreement reached between the seven party alliance and the Maoists. The interim government has been constituted along with the date set for the elections of the Constituent Assembly on June 20. This is an important landmark in the democratic transformation in Nepal.
The Central Committee called upon the Party to conduct struggles against price rise and for the proper implementation of the NREGA in the concerned districts. Apart from these two issues, the Party should campaign on the following:
Inflation & Price Rise
The Central Committee noted with concern that the rate of inflation continues to be high with the wholesale price index registering an increase of 6.42 per cent on March 2. The continuous price rise of food items and essential commodities is having a deleterious affect on the lives of the people. The UPA government failed to take prompt measures required to tackle inflation and the price rise.
The Central Committee criticised the government for not putting curbs on futures trading in essential commodities and revising the petroleum tax structure. It has weakened the public distribution system instead of strengthening it and failed to ensure adequate procurement of foodgrains. The CPI(M) had demanded a rollback in the petroleum prices to the pre-June 2006 level. The government met this demand only partially in December 2006 and belatedly reduced the prices to the 2006 level in mid-February after the inflation had gone out of control.
In the Union Budget, the government has confined itself to reduce the ad valorem duty on petroleum products by 2 per cent instead of doing away with the ad valorem structure itself. After resisting the demand that futures trading in foodgrains be halted, on the eve of the budget, the government announced a ban on futures trading in wheat and rice. The government has not accepted the recommendations of the standing committee of parliament on curbing futures trading.
The Central Committee has called upon all its Party units to step up the struggle against price rise with the demand for urgent steps to strengthen and expand the public distribution system and firm action against hoarding and speculation in essential commodities There has to be a stoppage of futures trading in all essential commodities and revision of the petroleum tax structure, doing away with the ad valorem system.
FDI and Organised Sector in Retail Trade
The Central Committee reiterated its opposition to opening up retail trade to FDI. In this connection, the Central Committee condemned the moves to open upon FDI in retail in a piecemeal fashion. The commerce minister has floated the proposal of opening up more sectors for FDI in retail trade like sports goods, electrical and consumer electronic goods.
The other danger is the entry on a large scale of the organised sector with big companies entering the retail trade. The impact of organised trade entry is similar to that of FDI in retail trade in displacing small shopkeepers and traders. There has to be regulations and curbs on the organised sector in the retail trade.
SEZs
The Central Committee demanded that the Central government make substantial changes in the SEZ Act and rules on the lines of the proposals made by the Left parties. There has to be an upper limit on the land provided for SEZs. The CPI(M) has suggested that multi-product SEZs should not have land beyond 2000 hectares. It is also necessary to decide which industries require SEZs. No scope should be given for real estate speculation. The exorbitant tax concessions provided for SEZs must be curtailed.
The CPI(M) cannot accept the SEZ Act and rules in the present form and will continue to demand changes in the SEZ Act and Rules both within and outside parliament.
Supreme Court Stay on OBC Reservation
The Central Committee demanded that the Central Government speedily take steps to overcome the stay given by the two-member bench of the Supreme Court on the implementation of the `Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006' for OBCs in the Centrally run educational institutions.
Judicial Intervention
The Central Committee expressed concern at the growing trend of judicial encroachment in the spheres of the executive and parliament.
The Central Committee expressed its apprehensions on the Supreme Court judgement on the Ninth schedule of the Constitution making laws to be in the Ninth schedule subject to judicial scrutiny. The basic features of the Constitution have not been defined by the Supreme Court in the Keshavanand Bharati case. It is necessary to have a clear definition of the basic features of the Constitution.
Increasingly, the higher judiciary is intervening in favour of the private sector, and the employers. There have been a number of judgments by the Supreme Court in the recent period, which overturned verdicts favouring the workers. At the same time, the trend of curtailing democratic rights and collective action by the higher judiciary continue. The Kerala High Court order banning student organisations and political activities from the campuses is one such instance.
The Central Committee is of the firm opinion that there should be judicial accountability and reforms in the judiciary. A National Judicial Commission which comprises not just serving judges must be constituted for appointment and related issues.
BJP's Disruptive Role
The Central Committee condemned the anti-democratic and disruptive tactics of the BJP in the budget session of parliament. First it raised the Quattrocchi issue to stall parliament and to shout down the railway budget. Using the pretext of the Nandigram incident, it did not allow parliament to function for five successive days. The budget and other important people's issues could not be discussed properly in parliament.
The BJP-RSS combine have stepped up their communal rhetoric which has led to a spate of communal incidents all over the country in the recent period. The worst violence was seen in Gorakhpur and neighbouring districts of Eastern UP where Adithyanath, the BJP MP, played a leading role. In Madhya Pradesh too there have been a number of communal incidents and attacks on minorities.
The Central Committee called upon all its Party units and other secular forces to unitedly counter such communal provocations. The Central Committee welcomed the UPA government's decision to provide financial relief to the victims of the Gujarat communal violence of 2002. The government should identify many others who are not officially listed to provide them compensation too.
Foreign Policy
The Central Committee condemned the continuing US pressures on India to desist from going ahead with the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. This blatant interference in India's sovereign affairs must be rejected and the pipeline project implemented without delay.
Sri Lanka
The Central Committee strongly deplored the escalating military hostilities in Sri Lanka. The military operations of the Sri Lankan armed forces in the North Eastern region and the recent aerial bombing by the LTTE illustrate the dangers of the widening conflict. Since the resumption of hostilities in April 2006, more than 2 lakh Tamil people have been displaced.
The CPI(M) urges the Sri Lankan government to expedite the preparation of the proposals for a political settlement of the Tamil problem. The report of the all-parties conference on the constitutional and political steps for devolution of powers can be the basis for the political framework for a solution.
Nepal
The Central Committee welcomed the formation of the interim government headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala which includes the seven party alliance and the Maoists. This is an important step towards implementing the agreement reached between the seven party alliance and the Maoists. The interim government has been constituted along with the date set for the elections of the Constituent Assembly on June 20. This is an important landmark in the democratic transformation in Nepal.
The Central Committee called upon the Party to conduct struggles against price rise and for the proper implementation of the NREGA in the concerned districts. Apart from these two issues, the Party should campaign on the following:
- Campaign against the activities of the communal forces
- Resist US imperialist pressures on India
- Demands of the peasantry including implementation of the Farmers Commission recommendations
- Implementation of the parliamentary standing committee's recommendations on the Seed Bill.
- Changes in SEZ Act and rules to prevent large-scale acquisition of agricultural land, displacement of people and tax concessions to the promoters.
- No FDI in retail trade and regulation of organised sector
- No entry of foreign universities and setting up of private universities
Central Committee On Nandigram & Related Issues
The Central Committee heard reports from the General Secretary and the West Bengal Chief Minister on the situation which developed in the Nandigram area after the incident on January 3, 2007 and the developments thereafter that led to the police action on March 14. The Central Committee adopted the following statement after discussing the issues:
- The Central Committee it its meeting held from January 2 to 4, 2007 had discussed the Singur car project. It had endorsed the plan of the CPI(M) and the Left Front government to go ahead with the project. It had rejected the charge that land had been forcibly acquired for the project. The Left Front government had taken the steps necessary to ensure that fair compensation is provided for landowners and sharecroppers displaced by the project in Singur.
- On January 3, an attack took place on the Kalicharanpur Gram panchayat office where a group of people who were misled into believing that a team of officials had come for land acquisition. Following this, in an organised manner, Nandigram Block I was cut off with all roads, culverts and bridges being dug up or destroyed. Widespread attacks on CPI(M) workers and elected panchayat members took place. This led to around 2500 people having to leave their homes in the area. A thousand of them, even today, are staying in relief camps in adjoining areas. What happened in Nandigram in the weeks following was an organised and reprehensible attack. On January 7, a CPI(M) panchayat member, Sankar Samanta was burnt alive; on February 7, a policeman Sadhucharan Chatterjee, was attacked and killed near Haldia; on February 10, Sunita Mondal, a class ten student was raped and murdered; on March 3 a woman from a CPI(M) sympathiser's family was gangraped.
- All these attacks continued even after the Chief Minister had publicly declared on February 9 that no land will be acquired in Nandigram against the wishes of the people. Repeatedly, the Chief Minister stated that the proposed chemical hub would not be situated in Nandigram if the people did not want it. Despite this, the gang up of the Trinamul-Jamaat-SUCI-naxalites continued with their violent activities.
- If the issue was land, then with the Chief Minister's announcement, the agitation should have been called off. But what has developed in Nandigram is a political gang up of the Trinamul Congress with the most disruptive elements like the SUCI, Naxalites and Maoists.
- The decision to send in the police after two and a half months of anarchy and lawless violence was motivated by the need for restoring the roads and communications in the area for bringing about peace restoring the administration. This was decided after repeated all party meetings called at the district level. In the confrontation, the police firing that took place and the loss of lives (not all due to police firing) is deeply regrettable. It is unfortunate that ordinary people have died in the violence. This should not be repeated again.
- The Central Committee has noted that some mistakes have been committed in the handling of the affair as stated by the Chief Minister. The Central Committee has asked the West Bengal State Committee of the Party to examine the entire circumstances and the handling of the matters that led to the police action on March 14.
- The CPI(M) had wanted a judicial enquiry into the events in Nandigram. However, the Kolkata High Court intervened and ordered a CBI enquiry. The matter is still pending before the High Court. After the enquiry, if any police excesses are established, action should be taken.
- The Central Committee wishes to point out that the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) has already stated in its February 17-18 meeting that as per the announcement by the Chief Minister, no new SEZs will be set up in the state till the all India SEZ Act and rules are changed for which the Left parties have already submitted their proposals. The CPI(M) has also demanded that the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 be revised and new provisions be made so that the rights of land holders and those dependent on land for their livelihood are protected and adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures put in place.
- The Polit Bureau had also decided that all projects requiring large-scale land acquisition will be reviewed. Projects which do not entail large-scale land acquisition or have the people's consent will be proceeded with.
- The Central Committee is of the opinion that the implementation of land reforms and the development of agriculture, laid the foundations for industrialisation. The land use policy adopted by the West Bengal government should be the basis for conversion of land for non-agricultural purposes. The CPI(M) is committed to consolidating the success of the land reforms and will protect the interests of the peasantry while pursuing on the path of industrialisation.
- The Central Committee noted that there is a concerted campaign by the right wing parties, the naxalites and certain NGOs against the CPI(M). Allegations and charges are being fabricated and purveyed about large number of deaths and sexual assaults on women in Nandigram. These are the heinous methods adopted by the anti-communist forces in Bengal time and again.
- The Central Committee called upon all its Party units to launch an intensive campaign to counter this false propaganda. The Party will go to the people to explain the role of the CPI(M) and the Left Front government in implementing land reforms, protecting the rights of the peasants, in developing agriculture and the need for industrialisation.
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