CPI(M) Central Committee on the Lok Sabha Election Results

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in Delhi on June 20 & 21, 2009. It has issued the following statement:

Election Review

The Central Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the results of the Lok Sabha election. It also made an in-depth study of the Party's performance.

Among the factors responsible for the success of the Congress is that it could utilise the people's concern for a stable secular government at the Centre. The rejection by the people of the BJP's divisive brand of communal politics and Hindutva benefited the Congress.

The support that the Left parties had extended to the UPA for four years also contributed to providing legitimacy and credibility to the Congress-led government. The UPA government had pursued neo-liberal policies which have heightened inequalities and failed to tackle the agrarian crisis, price rise and unemployment. Despite this, some of the measures taken such as the NREGA, farmers loan waiver scheme, the Forest Tribal Rights Act and the increased minimum support price for foodgrains and other crops helped to mitigate some of the effects of these policies and had a positive impact. Some of these steps were adopted due to the Left's pressure.

The spate of terrorist violence culminating in the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008 heightened the people's concern for unity and the popular mood was against the BJP's communal platform which sought to divide the people.

The Congress also benefited from the consolidated support it received from the big business of the country who registered enormous gains during the five year rule of the UPA.

Defeat of BJP

The BJP's defeat is significant because it has failed for the second successive time to win the elections. The main reason for this failure is because the people have rejected its communal platform which was highlighted by the virulent hate speeches of Varun Gandhi and similar
propaganda by less prominent figures. The image of a hardcore Hindutva party was heightened by the projection of Narendra Modi as the future leader of the party. The record of the BJP as the opposition party which mainly concentrated on disrupting parliament and not taking up the main issues affecting the people such as the agrarian crisis, price rise and unemployment led to loss of support for the party.

The Central Committee noted that the emergence of the non-Congress, non-BJP combination which included the Left parties contributed to the defeat of the BJP which was unable to get any worthwhile allies in states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Orissa.

Withdrawal of Support to UPA Government

The Central Committee was of the firm opinion that the withdrawal of the support to the UPA government on the nuclear deal in July 2008 was correct. This was consistent with the Left's stand against forging of a strategic alliance with the United States.

Non-Congress, Non-BJP Alternative

The Central Committee of the CPI(M) had called for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP alternative as against the Congress-led alliance and the BJP-led alliance. This was a correct tactic. These efforts resulted in the electoral understanding forged by some regional and Left
parties in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Orissa and Karnataka. However, such an electoral understanding could not be extended beyond these four states and the three Left-led states of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. It failed to be a viable and credible alternative at the national level.

Critically reviewing these efforts, the Central Committee felt that it should not have extended the call for building such an alternative to the formation of an alternative government. In the absence of a countrywide alliance and no common policy platform being presented, the call for an alternative government was unrealistic.

The Central Committee reiterated that it will continue to strive to build the third alternative. Till then, whenever required the Party will forge electoral understanding and alliances with like-minded non-Congress secular parties.

CPI(M) Performance

The Party has suffered serious reverses in the Lok Sabha elections. It has won only 16 seats. Nine seats in West Bengal, four in Kerala, two in Tripura and one in Tamilnadu. The Party has got 5.33 per cent of the vote, which is only marginally less compared to the 5.66 per cent it
polled in 2004. While expressing concern about the erosion in the Party's support base in West Bengal and Kerala, the Central Committee also noted that the Left Front in West Bengal polled around 1.85 crore votes and in Kerala the LDF has polled 67.17 lakh vote. Though there is
some erosion, the main base of the Party is intact by and large in these two states.

Review of Party's Performance

The Central Committee conducted an in-depth review of the performance of the Party based on the review reports received from the states. The Party has registered a good victory in Tripura winning both the seats with the Left Front polling 61.69 per cent of the votes.

Apart from the all India factors, the specific situation in the states of West Bengal and Kerala where serious losses took place were also reviewed.

In West Bengal, the review noted the political, governmental and organisational reasons for the setbacks suffered by the CPI(M) and the Left Front. The review noted that there is some erosion of support among the rural and urban poor and sections of the middle classes. There are
shortcomings in the functioning of government, panchayats and municipalities based on a proper class outlook. This is due to the failure of the government to implement properly various measures directly concerning the lives of the people. The apprehension about land
acquisition has contributed to the alienation amongst some sections of the peasantry.

At the organisational level certain wrong trends and practices have adversely affected relations with the people. The Central Committee endorsed the steps proposed by the state committee to take corrective measures at the organisational and governmental level.

In Kerala, the factors responsible for the poor performance were also analysed. The disunity in the LDF and the Party leadership had an adverse impact on the people; the churches played an active role in mobilising Christian votes against the LDF; the association with the PDP
caused confusion among the people. The UDF and media campaign on the SNC Lavalin case also had its impact. Certain wrong trends within the Party organisation have also had a negative impact.

The Polit Bureau decided to have a meeting of the Polit Bureau on July 4 and 5, 2009 to discuss specifically the organisational matters in Kerala.

The Central Committee reviewed the overall performance of the Party in the rest of the country. It noted the organisational weaknesses in expanding the independent work of the Party, conducting sustained struggles on local issues and the building of the mass organisations. It
directed the state units to implement the tasks arising out of the reviews conducted in the states regarding these matters.

The Central Committee expressed confidence that the entire Party would draw lessons from this electoral setback. It will identify the shortcomings in carrying out the political line of the Party and take steps to rectify the weaknesses in the organisation. The Central Committee affirmed that immediate steps would be taken in states like West Bengal and Kerala to reforge the links with those sections of the people who have been alienated from the Party for various reasons. The
state governments will also take necessary steps to implement measures which are expected of it by the people.

Relations with Parties

The Party will work to strengthen Left unity and maintain relations and cooperation with secular opposition parties on people's issues, for pro-people economic policies and in defence of secularism and an independent foreign policy.

On The UPA Government

The Central Committee reiterated the stand already outlined by the Left parties that they will play the role of a Left opposition in parliament. The Central Government should take immediate steps to provide relief to the millions who have lost jobs due to the adverse impact of the global
economic crisis. Measures should be taken to see that because of the crisis common people are not burdened further. Though the rate of inflation is shown to be negative, the prices of essential commodities continue to be high. The government must take steps to curb price rise. The Government has to take steps to devolve adequate resources and funds to the state governments who have to primarily bear the responsibility for tackling the effects of the economic slow down and pursue developmental and welfare measures.

The CPI(M) will vigorously oppose all such measures in parliament and outside which seek to push through legislations for increasing foreign capital in the banking and insurance sector and financial sector liberalisation. The Party will continue to oppose disinvestment of the profit making public sector units, FDI in retail and higher education and such sectors which are not beneficial for the country. It will press for the adoption of the women's reservation Bill.

Protest Attacks in West Bengal

The Central Committee has issued an appeal to all its Party units and other Left and democratic forces to protest against the widespread attacks on Party workers, offices and supporters in West Bengal by the Trinamul-Congress combine and the Maoists. The Party will conduct a
campaign all over the country in solidarity with West Bengal and in defence of democracy.

Ecuador will join the ALBA ON 24 JUNE

Rafeal Correa with Raul Castro

Ecuador formally join as a full member of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) in the extraordinary summit of the organization of the next 24 . The announcement was made by the Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa, Gualaquiza from Guangzhou in the southern province of Morona Santiago

Correa, who will ratify this decision at its liaison Citizen on Saturday, noted that the addition will benefit the country, block them in the common political positions in international fora. "We will have great benefits such as having a unique position to multilateral agencies that have hurt a lot to Latin America, including the World Bank and the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The president stressed that his organization, composed of Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominica, Cuba, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Venezuela, have pursued a common investment fund and Ecuador will also join the Regional Clearing System (Sucre).

ALBA in the spirit is a little different, because "we must overcome this integrationist vision limited only to trade to support each other, have mutual power projects to improve trade development, not trade based on neo-liberal competition," he said. stressed that "nothing in this accession is detrimental," and the existence of this group and encourages further regional integration in Latin America. Their statements were recorded shortly after the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, announced days after the entry of Ecuador to the ALBA.

Founded in 2004 by Chavez and then Cuban President Fidel Castro, this organization was established as an alternative to integration as opposed to the proposal of the Free Trade Agreement (FTAA), which drove United States in Latin America.

Mangalore - DYFI activists expose expired energy food sachets

The DYFI workers have exposed the stock of expired energy food sachets meant for free supply among poor children at an Anganwadi belonging to Women and Child Welfare Department near Baikampadi here on Saturday.

The energy food sachets which were expired on March 1, 2009 was spotted by the DYFI members at Anganagundi Anganwadi near Baikampadi on the outskirts of the city.

Producing the expired energy food sachets, DYFI district President Muneer Katipalla urged the Additional Deputy Commissioner Prabhakar Sharma to conduct an inquiry into the issue. Katipalla briefed Sharma that there were nearly 10 bags of such expired energy food packets in the Anganwadi.

He also pointed out that another batch of energy food sachets with June 2, 2009 expiry date was also spotted at the Anganwadi. However, all the expired and near expiry date stock has been shifted from the Anganwadi by an official on Monday morning, he added.

Citing the lapse of officials concerned, kattipalla said that the consumption of expired energy food may create health hazards in children.

Further, he pointed out that the district administration does not conduct monthly meetings on food security which is mandatory.

Meanwhile, the pathetic condition of a godown of Women and Child Welfare Department at Ashok Nagar in the city was also brought to light by a surprise visit by the DYFI members along with journalists.

The energy food, which contains flour of roasted wheat, maize, blackgram dhal, toasted edible groundnut, soya, powder jaggery, vitamins and minerals, were being supplied freely under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) of the government through Child Development Project Offices (CDPO). Sachets were distributed to children between 3-6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadis.

Courtesy: Mangalorean.com

Com.P Sundarayya - Com.E K Nayanar Memory Day

May 19

Com. P Sundarayya - Com. E K Nayanar
Memorial Day

Together - LET US CONQUER

"We are the Majority, Victory will be with us "

IN THE HONOR of 64th Year OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT VICTORY

Mass procession and meeting in the honor 64- year of the anniversary of great victory took place on May 9 in Moscow. They passed under the slogan: “Together - let us conquer! ”, “victory will be after us!”.

Thousand and thousands of people. Veterans, young people, the representatives of the working associations. There was no such populous demonstration in Moscow has long ago. On May 9 in the capital for the holiday demonstrations of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation always leave many people, and this understandably - Day of Victory is holy holiday for the majority of our citizens. But now it became not only in the daytime recollection about the great accomplishments of our people, but also in the daytime protest, first of all, against the destructive reform of armed forces, making our country defenseless before the external threat.

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Russian Federation Gennedy Zyuganov led the rally and spoke on the occassion. "Victory - this celebration of the ideas of Marxism-Leninism, Russian spirit and friendship of peoples!" he said. Victory is the apex of strategic genius and will of Stalin. One hundred thirty nationalities, which populated the USSR, were combined in the united impulse in the fight with Fascist plague. Speaking about the heaviest social and economic position, in which proved to be today the country, Zyuganov emphasized that the Communists prepared their program of overcoming the crisis, which makes it possible to raise the economy, to ensure normal wages, pensions, allowances, to again make Russia the Great Power. “In order to personify this program into the life, we must gather the best forces; therefore we revive komsomol and young pioneers.

Red Flag Over Reichstag, Berlin

May 9 victory day commemerates the victory of Red army over the German Nazis in 1945 which eventually led to the downfall of Hitlers Fascism. Thereby the Red guards saved the world from fascist catastrophe.

Russians Praise Legacy of Soviet Army

The vast majority of people in Russia think the Soviet Army was instrumental in the development of Eastern Europe, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 77 per cent of respondents say the Soviet Army freed Eastern European countries from fascism and gave them a chance to flourish.

Conversely, 11 per cent of respondents think the Soviet Army freed these countries only to instate dictatorships and deprive them of their independence.

The Soviet Army got its name in 1946, when it was officially constituted as the legitimate army of the Soviet Union. This army, formerly known as the Red Army, helped liberate Eastern European countries from German Nazi rule.

In the 1980s, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev played a key role in reducing the size of the Soviet Army, mainly due to its immense costs. He also reined in the military forces as he avoided confrontations with civilians in many Soviet republics that were seeking independence. Following the official end of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Soviet Army dissolved.

In late February, Communist Party (KPRF) leader Gennady Zyuganov led a rally criticizing the government of Russian president Dmitry Medvedev for its handling of an economic crisis. Zyuganov recalled the glories of the communist era, declaring, "We are holding a rally today in support of the best traditions laid down by the Russian and Soviet armies. In the unity of these traditions lies the future of our national security."

Polling Data

The Soviet Army freed Eastern European countries from fascism, and gave them the opportunity to develop	77%
The Soviet Army freed Eastern European countries from fascism, but chose to establish dictatorial regimes which deprived these countries of their independence	11%
Hard to answer	11%

Peoples' Candidate is Back

"The people of Madurai will win (in the election)," said Communist Party of India (Marxist) Madurai Lok Sabha constituency candidate, P. Mohan.

Arriving home to a rousing reception at various points here on Friday after being hospitalised in Chennai, he said that the people of Madurai would prove that their Lok Sabha constituency too would go for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance.

Sixty-year-old Mohan underwent a surgery in Chennai after he developed stomach ache on April 28.

He was hospitalised there for 11 days.

With tears rolling down his cheeks, the two-time MP expressed gratitude for the affection shown to him by the people of Madurai.

"I apologise for being unable to participate in the protests against political rowdyism and distribution of money. I am sure, the people of Madurai will win," he said in a choked voice.

Scores of party men and cadres of alliance parties gathered at Jeeva Nagar to welcome him. Comrade Mohan would resume his election campaign on Sunday, R. Annadurai, district secretary of the party, said.

CPI (M) State secretary, N. Varadarajan, district secretaries, R. Annadurai and V. Sundaram (both CPI-M), K. Raju, M. Boominathan were among those who received him at the airport.

Congress, BJP silent on economic crisis: Yechury

MADURAI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has charged that the global economic crisis that led to loss of lakhs of jobs in the country was not a matter of concern for both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing an election meeting here on Sunday, the CPI (M) polit bureau member, Sitaram Yechury, said the Congress leader Sonia Gandhi did not utter a single word on the issue while addressing an election meeting in Chennai on Sunday. Similarly, the BJP leaders also failed to make a mention of it at their rally at Ludhiana.

It was because they do not have an alternative policy, he said adding, “Their concern is to try to find out new avenues to make money through corruption,” he said.

Mr. Yechury was seeking votes for his party candidate for Madurai Lok Sabha seat, P. Mohan.

He said that his party was pressing for making public investment in a big way in infrastructure development. “Building of infrastructure would generate crores of jobs so that the people could spend their salaries, giving a stimulus to the economy,” he said. Stating that the country had lost one crore jobs in the last three months, he warned that if effective measures were not taken another five crore jobs would be lost in the next three months.

Mr. Yechury said that the economic policies of the Congress and the BJP Governments in the Centre have led to creation of “two Indias” – one shining and the other suffering. Lakhs of farmers had committed suicide and hundreds of children were dying due to diseases that could be prevented, he said.

Stating that the Prime Minister of the country had been elected only after the Lok Sabha elections in 1996, 1998 and 2004, he said that would be the case even in 2009. It was with due respect to the people of the country. The sovereignty of the country rested with the people according to the Constitution, he said. Mr. Yechury said that this time, the coalition Government to be formed by the Third Front would not be instable, as it would not need the outside support from both the Congress and the BJP.

Mr. Yechury said that he was not seeking votes for the alternative front for alternative economic policies alone, but for a shift in direction in the policies concerning the security of the nation from terrorism, social justice and foreign policy.

(Courtesy : The Hindu)

After Money its the turn of Sarees to woo Madurai Voters

Election Observers seizing Sarees meant for distribution by DMK

MADURAI: Special Election Observer for Madurai Lok Sabha constituency Madangopal seized six bundles of saris from two houses in Jaihindpuram, reportedly meant for free distribution to voters, in Madurai on Wednesday.

Mr. Madangopal, along with another Observer, M. Matthew Jolly, handed over the seized materials to the Jaihindpuram police.

A former Corporation councillor of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Murugan, said his partymen alerted the police and the Observers on receiving information about distribution of saris at Meenambigaipuram.

“The police chased away scores of women who were waiting for their turn to get the saris from the ruling partymen,” he said.

Later, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam men locked the factory in which the saris were kept.

The Observer who arrived at the scene found the bundles and some of the saris kept in plastic covers ready for distribution.

The Observers, accompanied by Assistant Collector (Training) K. Veeraraghava Rao, went to Netaji Nagar and seized more bundles from a house belonging to another ruling party worker.

The DMK men had told the Observers that the saris were stocked for distribution after the elections in connection with the birthday celebration of DMK south zone organising secretary and the Madurai Lok Sabha constituency candidate M.K. Azhagiri.

CPI (M) Politburo member Brinda Karat told reporters here on Wednesday that the Madurai constituency had become an example of complete subversion of electoral and democratic process. Muscle power, money power and misuse of State machinery were evident in the constituency, she said.

Ms. Brinda urged the Election Commission to deploy paramilitary forces in those booths identified as sensitive in the constituency.

(Source :Hindu)

Third Front committed to uplift of poor

NAGERCOIL: The Third Front is committed to the uplift of the poor and downtrodden and also keen to safeguard the interest of the nation, said Polit Bureau member of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Brinda Karat on Tuesday.

Addressing election meetings at Colachel and Thuckalay in the district, Ms. Brinda said that Colachel was one of the worst affected areas when tsunami hit the coastal areas of the State. Even as the then government extended all kind of assistance to the affected people, the present government failed to take any follow up action to sustain their livelihood.

The Communist parties provided moral support to the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre from outside for the betterment of society. But the misrule, including the signing of the nuclear deal with the USA and the failure to take any action to control prices of essential commodities and steps to ensure employment to the already employed youth in many fields, particularly in IT, who lost their jobs, had forced the Communist parties to withdraw support to the government.

She appealed to the people to cast their votes in favour of the CPI (M) candidate, A. V. Bellarmine, who had done a lot for the development of the district, particularly the construction of fishing harbours at Colachel and Thengapattinam. If he were elected as MP again, he would take necessary steps for the setting up of a commercial harbour at Colachel so that fishermen in the coastal areas need not migrate to other States in search of jobs.

Voters in Kanyakumari would facilitate the formation of a Third Front government at the Centre because people were fed up with the misrule of the Congress and the BJP. They should opt for a neutral person like Mr. Bellarmine, instead of other candidates who were seeking votes in the name of caste and religion.

(Source: The Hindu)

HYUNDAI WORKERS INDEFINITE STRIKE

More than 1300 Hyundai employees at company’s Sriperumbudur unit have gone on an indefinite fast to protest the absence of anti labor policies of the management. Members of Hyundai Motors India Employees Union went on fast in front of the office of Commissioner of Labour in chennai. The employees had been staging an indefinite strike since April 20. They are demanding recognition and solution to certain labour related issues. "After participating in four conciliation meetings, the representatives from the management did not come for the last three meetings. Therefore, we went on an indefinite fast today," CITU Tamil Nadu President A Sounderrajan, who is also the President of the Hyundai employees union, said.

Hyundai Motor India, which employees some 3000 precarious workers, has a history of labor rights abuses in their plants. The company recently terminated the contracts of some 600 workers, some who had worked at the plant for almost 4 years, just prior to them receiving permanent status.

Since July 2007, in response to the formation of the HMIEU, trade union leaders, members and supporters have suffered from dismissals, suspensions and transfers and workers have faced management's widespread use of threats, harassment and intimidation for joining a union. Currently 65 workers have been fired for their union activities and 34 more are in the process of being dismissed.

Approximately 1200 permanent workers, out of a total of 1500 permanent employees, and a large number of precarious workers are supporting the strike.

Among the contract demands, workers are calling for:

* Union recognition and a collective bargaining agreement;
* Equal treatment of all workers;
* Reinstatement of all precarious workers fired as a result of the company's response to the economic crisis or those fired in an effort to deny them permanent status;
* Reinstatement of union members and officers unfairly fired, transferred or suspended and the withdrawal of all charges pending against them.

CPI (M) State secretary N.Varadarajan on Tuesday sought Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi’s intervention to bring to an end the fast by employees of the Hyundai car factory.