[L-I] [INDIA] ML Update Vol. 7 No. 25 23-29 June 2004

ML Update
A CPI(ML) Weekly News Magazine
Vol.  7     No. 25   23-29 June 2004


Vajpayee Fades, Modi Stays, BJP Bides Its Time

Two months after the BJP suffered an ignominious defeat in an election in
which it thought it had been calling all the shots from timing the elections
to fixing the electoral agenda, the party is evidently yet to come to terms
with the shock. The party's consecutive victories in 1998 and 1999 had
fuelled its hope of getting recognised and legitimised as India's 'natural'
party of governance as the Congress was till the 1980s. The party thought
that despite Gujarat it could continue to harp on its newly honed discourse
of de-ideologised governance and win an election by parading mobile phones,
expressways and India's much hyped superpower potential! Verdict 2004 has
clearly belied these fond hopes.
The saffron camp is clearly divided in its analysis of the election results.
Ideologues of the RSS seem to be suggesting that the BJP has had to pay for
under-emphasising its ideological moorings. The VHP argues that the BJP has
been punished for 'abandoning' the Hindu agenda. According to Ashok Singhal,
the TDP-BJP combine lost the elections in Andhra because Andhra apparently
has the highest incidence of religious conversion! Shiv Sena supremo Bal
Thackeray too holds the NDA's 'moderate' plank responsible for the defeat,
but instead of treating the debacle as a 'punishment' meted out by
disillusioned Hindus he describes it as a conspiracy hatched out by the
'green moles', his latest expression for Indian Muslims.

Vacationing in the hills of Manali, Vajpayee made quite a sensation by
suggesting it was Gujarat that really did the BJP in and hinting at a
possible change of guards in Gujarat. Of course, he was not talking about
the genocide and the role of the Gujarat government in sponsoring it or that
of his own government in condoning it, he was only concerned that the BJP
had underestimated the opposition's ability to 'exploit' the Gujarat
'incidents' to the latter's advantage! Vajpayee even recollected how he
wanted to remove Modi in the wake of the killings but had to restrain
himself in order to accommodate other opinions in the party. But by the time
he returned to Delhi, he had done another Vajpayee! Gujarat again became a
closed chapter and Modi got yet another 'reprieve', even if a temporary one.
Following his defeat in the elections, Vajpayee now stands squarely dumped
by his own party and Parivar. As far as the Sangh is concerned, he has
evidently exhausted whatever utility he had as the Parivar's 'liberal mask'
and as the 'poet statesman' prime minister of a neo-liberal pro-imperialist
regime. With the BJP back in opposition, once again it is Advani who is back
as the leader. Unlike other leaders and ideologues of the BJP and the
Parivar, Advani's response to the NDA's poll debacle has been quite
cautious. While downplaying the debacle by describing it as a fractured
mandate attributable to a host of local factors, he has accepted
responsibility for the BJP's 'failed' slogans which tried to conjure a
feel-good factor in a 'shining India' but clearly failed to connect and
communicate. And significantly enough, he has said nothing about either
Hindutva or Gujarat.

Advani knows the difference between 2004 and 1984. With 138 MPs, the BJP
today is placed much more comfortably than when it had only 2 members in a
540-plus Lok Sabha. The party is certainly not faced with any major identity
crisis or any imperative to 'reinvent' itself. The BJP knows all too well
that the Congress is not going to navigate back to its 'socialistic pattern'
days, and that it is going to operate very much within the parameters of
neo-liberalism, pro-Americanism and soft Hindutva. Such an
ideological-political terrain is very hospitable to the BJP and the party
can always hope to stage a comeback much the same way the Congress had
staged a comeback in 1980 after being rejected so resoundingly only three
years earlier.

Instead of singing paeans for Indian democracy and imagining a crisis for
the BJP where it has to either 'secularise' itself or face a permanent exile
to political oblivion, the progressive opinion in the country must focus on
asserting a radically different people's agenda of democracy and
development. Nothing short of a powerful anti-feudal anti-imperialist
awakening of the Indian people can effectively foil the fascist game plan of
the RSS.


Withdraw TADA Cases from CPI(ML) Activists in Bihar
Release Imprisoned Comrades Immediately

What if the Congress-led UPA govt. in the center with Laloo Prasad's RJD as
an important constituent has announced to repeal POTA in its Common Minimum
Programme? Congress supported Rabri Devi's RJD govt. in Bihar is still using
TADA of bygone years to suppress and victimise political activists mainly
from CPI(ML). Lawmakers are the ablest lot who know how to use the
ambiguities in Law.
Recently, 16 activists of CPI(ML) have been implicated under TADA in a false
case in Jehanabad. Ironically, seven of these have already been found
innocent and were acquitted along with three others in the same case by TADA
court of district Aurangabad long back on 19 August 1998. Now this case (no.
1/90 dated 04/01/90) has been opened in Jehanabad implicating 16 people
including Surya Dayal Paswan, Vijay Paswan, Indal Mehta, Shankar Mehtar,
Lakhan Paswan, Mahesh Ravidas and Gupta Mishra, who were exonerated earlier.
In spite of widespread condemnation and opposition from various democratic
circles in the state, the arrogant state administration and the government
seems hellbent to continue enforcing their unspoken policy of repressing
democratic and rural poors' movements.
An adjournment motion placed on this question by the CPI(ML) legislative
group was turned down in Bihar Assembly. The government has not given any
statement on this issue, CPI(ML) MLAs protested inside the Assembly on June
21 and reiterated their demand for withdrawal of all TADA cases and release
of their comrades. The government was accused of protecting those who are
victimising political opponents using TADA and even murdering CPI(ML)
leaders and cadres and appealed to the chair to accept the motion. But
Assembly was adjourned four times on the day and no business could be
conducted amidst the protests.
CPI(ML) Legislatures also held a dharna at the entrance of the Assembly in
the morning while a protest demonstration was going on in the streets of
Patna on this question at that time.
Incidentally, the most infamous and dreaded army of feudals enjoying
political patronage from the ruling quarters in Bihar, Ranvir Sena, is at
the moment most active in Jehanabad and making attacks on leaders of CPI(ML)
as it is leading the movement of rural poor and dalits in the region. And in
the process, our comrades are braving all types of pressures by nexus of
ruling lobbies as well as attacks by Ranvir Sena. Few months back Comrade
Manju was martyred in an attack by Ranvir Sena and now one of the popular
leaders of the Party Comrade Kunti Devi is facing a threat on her life. The
killers of Manju have not been arrested yet and even the memorial built by
local people in her memory has been vandalized twice by Ranvir Sena. In such
backdrop, implication of CPI(ML) activists in TADA does definitely seem to
be a deliberate ploy of political victimisation to suppress the popular
movement.
Last year, there was one more such case that shook the conscience of the
democratic people in Bihar when 14 CPI(ML) activists were imprisoned for
life after implicating them under TADA. They were framed falsely by the
police long back in 1988 after the infamous Bhadasi police firing. All these
14 innocents are now behind bars and Supreme Court has turned down their
appeals for reconsideration of the case. All these convicted comrades are on
hunger strike inside the jail since 18 June in protest against the injustice
done to them and more than 400 other inmates inside the jail have also
joined them in support from 20 June.
It is possible to lift TADA cases under section 321 of CRPC and, in fact,
such cases have been lifted involving many persons in Jehanabad district and
one such 'beneficiary' is Ramadhar Singh, dreaded ring leader of Sawarn
Liberation Front who perpetrated massacres at Sawanbigha and Barsimha where
16 innocents were killed. But few selective cases are being allowed to
continue under TADA, most of them involving CPI(ML) activists.
TADA continues to be used as a political weapon though it was allowed to
lapse after strong nationwide criticism. What will happen with POTA, if
repealed as promised, is yet to be seen. CPI(ML) has demanded to withdraw
all cases under TADA and POTA from immediate effect.
This is a glaring example of how the legislations can be manipulated to
serve the political interests of ruling establishment and how hollow are the
promises made under people's pressure. Cases are still being framed even
after the withdrawal of this Act. We must not let this happen and must not
allow the ruling combine to make the poor and toiling millions be deprived
of the political space they deserve. The struggle against anti-people
policies and for an equitable and just society must continue.
The Party has launched a Protest Campaign throughout Bihar and appealed to
all Left and democratic people to come forward and oppose this draconian
step. A two-day campaign was organised in Jehanabad on 9-10 June and All
India Agricultural Labour Association organised a day-long dharna at all
block headquarters in Jehanabad district.
On 21 June CPI(ML) along with AIPWA held a protest demonstration in
Jehanabad and a march to Bihar Assembly and demanded to withdraw cases under
TADA along with the cases framed against hundreds of Party activists.
Protesters also demanded to arrest the police officers who ordered and
conducted firing and killing of innocent people in Telpa of Arwal district.


Expose the 'Real Face' of Reforms

The Congress-led UPA govt. has started its innings in Delhi with the slogan
"reforms with human face". It has also made it clear that major aspects of
reforms undertaken by last NDA govt. will be continued. The only 'deviation'
from NDA regime is the 'human face' tactic. Many ministers in the new govt.
are inviting various trade union representatives to discuss things and to
ask for their more participation in helping things move faster.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of the leading organisations
of Indian bourgeoisie, also met central trade unions for a pre-budget
'informal' discussions. Apparently, many issues were discussed in a very
'cordial' and 'democratic' atmosphere and the need was felt for a greater
"social partnership" between the Industry and the Labour. The Captains of
Indian industry and the government have not shifted a bit from the core
issue of neo-liberal reforms which also includes the need for a 'rational'
exit policy. The CII mainly represents the manufacturing sector and
expects/needs a good buoyancy in coming days. It is supporting the
government's move of focussing in the rural areas, imposition of vat and
taxing agricultural income. One more important factor behind this support,
apparently, may be viewed from a different angle that the organised sector
is not in a position to provide jobs. Rather it is willing to  further
reduce the number of existing jobs. The captains of Industry are also
proposing to evolve further 'informal' consultations, particularly
post-budget, on small-medium sector industries.
The government and the Industry are advertising the 'reforms with human
face' through such meetings and trying to take the leaders of working class
into 'confidence' to minimise opposition in order to continue these
policies.
The trade unions must develop mass movements and launch campaigns to expose
the real face of reforms. The working class and its organisations,
particularly the Left, must bear in mind that there is a change in style but
the substance remains same. The government has declared to go deeper into
reforms. Moreover, when the government and institutions like CII are talking
about competitiveness and lack of resources, the working class must raise
the real issues and demand for taxing the rich, social welfare, land
reforms, increasing costs of agricultural inputs, protection of small
industries and agriculture, and the labour rights. This is the battle we
must take up in the coming days.


Protests against LPG Price Hike

Bihar unit of the All India Progressive Women's Association held a protest
march in Patna and burnt the effigy of Manmohan Singh on 18 June to oppose
the hike in LPG, patrol and diesel prices by the UPA govt. While in Delhi,
AIPWA and AISA held protest demonstration on 17 June and demanded a
rollback. They also demanded rollback of hike in electricity prices in
Delhi. The hike is going to severely hit the common people. This would lead
to increase in the prices of all essential commodities. The justification
being given for the increase, viz rise in international prices, is not at
all a valid reason since this could be taken care of through other means.
This is all the more important because the present government has got the
people's mandate due to its promise of commitment to the interests of the
poor and common people.


Cadre Convention in Punjab

A one-day cadre convention was organised by the Punjab unit of the Party at
Bhikhi on 4 June, on the fifth death anniversary of Comrade Hakam Singh
Samaon. four topics were discussed in the Convention, viz. Current political
situation, Relations between Party and its mass organisations, Organising
the mass organisations and Future plans. This was attended by nearly 250
comrades.


Post-Election Campaign in Rajasthan

Rajasthan CPI(ML) has been busy consolidating its electoral gains through a
series of party schools and meetings from 8-16 June. The Party State
Committee reviewed its performance in last elections and decided to launch a
campaign centering around issues of agricultural labourers, poor peasants,
unemployed youth, women and dalits. It has also been decided to launch a
campaign to expose state govt.'s anti-people policies and its fundamentalist
and communal agenda.


CPI(ML) Memorandum to Home Ministry on State Sponsored Terror in
Karbi-Anglong of Assam

The CPI(ML) has submitted a memorandum with the Home Ministry on state
sponsored terror in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam and demanded immediate
intervention from the Ministry to restore normalcy and rule of law in the
region. A Party delegation, led by Central Committee members Kumudini Pati
and Prabhat Kumar, met special Secretary for Home on 18 June and handed over
a memorandum to him.
Through the memorandum several incidents of inhuman torture and killings of
CPI(ML) supporters in Hamren sub-division of Karbi-Anglong district by UPDS
(pro-talks) militant gang were brought to notice of the Home Ministry. The
memorandum says, "Karbi Anglong had been one district in Assam that had been
free from intra-tribal strife and had been peaceful under the leadership of
Dr.Jayant Rongpi of CPI(ML). The sequence of events shows that there is a
deliberate attempt to sow seeds of discord in the district for vested
political ends of the ruling party of the state. This is a dangerous
precedence and can lead to serious conflagrations in the area which can even
go out of control."


Bandh in Karbi Anglong and N C Hills

A twelve-hour bandh (General Strike) in Karbi Anglong and N C Hills was
organised on 18 June which received a massive response from the people and
was total and peaceful.
The CPI(ML) N C Hills Party Committee has strongly criticized the State
Govt. for heavy deployment of army in Umrangso, N C Hills district of Assam
in the name of combing operation against extremist outfits. The innocent
people are suffering untold misery due to excessive and unnecessary
harassment meted out by the security force. One person was shot dead on 17
June near Umrangso-Haflong road by the army which is a clear violation of
human right. CPI(ML) has demanded Judicial enquiry and adequate compensation
to the bereaved family of the victim. While appealing to release all the six
abducted employees of Umrangso Cement Ltd by outlawed organization, the
party has also called to withdraw army from the two hills districts of Assam
and initiate a dialogue with all insurgent groups operating in Karbi Anglong
and N C Hills.

AIPWA Memorandum for Women's Reservation

Sadou Asom Pragatishil Nari Santha, state wing of All India Progressive
Women Association in Assam sent a memoranda to the PM, Speaker of Lok Sabha
and HRD Minister through Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup on 16 June demanding
adoption of the bill for 33% seat reservation for women in the coming LS
session.
The memorandum says that previous goverments had thrown the proposed Bill in
parliament to cold-storage in the name of consensus which reflected the
apathy towards the cause of empowerment of women, although the Legislation
was repeatedly presented on the floor of the Parliament. This was an utter
neglect of the democratic and progressive voice of the society in general
and the aspirations of the women in particular. The last NDA Govt. presented
a Bill after totally diluting the basic sprit of the original one.
The Memorandum reminds the UPA Govt. of its CMP that says, 'the UPA
Government will take the lead to introduce legislation for one-third
reservation for women in Vidhan Sabhas and in the Lok Sabha. Legislation on
domestic violence and against gender discrimination will be enacted.' and
urged to stress priority to this long-pending legislation and to adopt it in
original form without any dilution.
It was also demanded to enact a law to compulsorily form Women's Commission
in every State and to give ample powers to the State Women's Commissions so
that they can execute or enforce law upon any specific crime against women.


United Trade Union Forum Formed

18 Trade Unions in Pragjyotishpur, Guwahati from Noonmati to Chandrapur
formed a Joint Forum of Trade Unions after a convention which was attended
by workers of carbon, chemicals, asbestos, motor transport workers,
construction workers, rural workers and workers of sick and closed
industries  on 13 June. This forum will develop movement for revival of sick
and closed industries, minimum wage and job and social security. The
Convention demanded re-commission of Chandrapur Thermal Project. It planned
to hold a day-long hunger strike at Chandrapur on August 15.

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OBITUARY
Comrade Rameshwar Ravidas was assassinated in the evening of 18 June 04
just outside his native village Suranga of Sindri in district Dhanbad.
Comrade Rameshwar, popularly known as Raju, was immensely popular not only
among the colliery workers,
where he was primarily entrusted the task to organize them, but also among
the general people of the region.
He himself was a colliery worker and a member of the Dhanbad District
Committee of the Party.
Comrade Raju was threatened by the goons of Congress and MCC (AK Roy) during
campaigning for the Party's candidate from Dhanbad in last general
elections.
After hearing the shocking news of his assassination,
a large number of people spontaneously gathered at his village and held a
road blockade in protest.
They demanded to the administration and the police to immediately identify
and nab the killers.
Party's State Secretary in Jharkhand Subhendu Sen and CPI(ML) MLA and CC
member Mahendra Singh
immediately rushed to Sindri to attend his cremation.
Full of energy and enthusiasm, Comrade Raju always remained at
the forefront of struggles and justly represented the younger generation in
the Party.
His untimely demise is an irreparable loss to us all.
 We send our condolences to his bereaved family.
Red Salute to Comrade Raju.

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