CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh Electoral Tactics to be Finalised after Clarity on Bifurcation

THE Andhra Pradesh state committee of the CPI(M) has discussed about the electoral tactics to be adopted in the state for the 2014 Lok Sabha and assembly elections during its two-day long meeting that concluded on 02nd February in Hyderabad. It has resolved that the central committee of the Party must decide on the tactics keeping in mind the opinions expressed by the state committee.

This was stated by the CPI(M) state secretary and Polit Bureau member B V Raghavulu at a media conference at M B Bhavan. CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury participated in the state committee meeting from all India centre. Raghavulu said that the option of contesting independently or having seat adjustments were some of the options that came up for discussion in the meeting.

Since the elections are taking place to both Lok Sabha and assembly simultaneously, it is the tactics adopted for Lok Sabha polls that would be the main tactics. And, it is the central committee of the Party that decides these tactics, he explained to a question. The CPI(M) tactics are aimed at ensuring the defeat of both the Congress and the BJP.

The CPI(M) state committee also decided not to participate in the February 7 voting in state assembly for elections to Rajya Sabha. Voting has been necessitated due to a rebel Congress candidate joining the fray. There are seven candidates for six seats. Raghavulu attacked the state government for making a mockery of the last two assembly sessions where people's issues were totally neglected. He demanded that at least the the vote-on-account session being held on February 6 and 7 must be extended to discuss burning issues of people.

The CPI(M) state committee extended full support to various sections of working people who are undertaking strikes/struggles on their problems. These include municipal workers who are going on indefinite strike from February 8; contract workers of Electricity department waging struggle for regularisation; anganwadi workers struggle to enhance wages etc. The state committee slammed the government for not spending nearly Rs 10000 crore SC, ST Sub Plan funds. These funds would lapse if not spent by March 31st. Despite passing the legislation for proper implementation of Sub Plans over a year ago, the state government has not notified Rules for the Act. The CPI(M) state committee demanded that the Rules be framed immediately to prevent such tardy implementation.

The CPI(M) held a dharna on 04th February in front of Central Discom in Hyderabad against the proposed hike of Rs 9320 crore in electricity tariff. This hike is apart from the Rs 33000 crore burden imposed on consumers by the Discoms during the last three years. CPI(M) state secretary B V Raghavulu and CPI state secretary K Narayana and leaders of CPI(ML) New Democracy, RSP, YSRCP, and hundreds of activists were arrested by the police as they laid seige to the office of Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Commission began public hearing on 04th February and it was sought to be obstructed by the Left parties. The chairman of the Commission had to adjourn the hearing twice as activists held arguments with the Commission inside the premises also. Raghavulu termed the hearing itself as illegal and unjust. He demanded that this hearing must be postponed at least till the parliament session is over by when there would be clarity on whether the state remains as one or is split into two.