CPIM Central Committee Communiqué

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi from November 19-21, 2010. It has issued the following statement:

Massive Corruption

The country has been rocked by the startling exposures of high level corruption in the recent period – the 2G spectrum scam, the Commonwealth Games scandal, the Adarsh housing fraud and the rampant corruption of the Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka.

The 2G spectrum scam is a prime example of the big business-politician-bureaucrat nexus which has now become the hallmark of the neo-liberal regime. As early as February 2008, the CPI(M) had brought to the attention of the country the blatantly illegal manner in which allocation of 2G spectrum and licences were made causing a huge loss to the exchequer. The role of the Union Minister A. Raja was also clear.

Yet, the Congress-led government refused to act. The Prime Minister preferred to overlook such massive corruption, so that his government could manage to survive. After the Lok Sabha election, in the second tenure of the UPA government, the same approach continued.

Now that the CAG has confirmed all the charges leveled at the time when the allocations were made, the Minister has been forced to resign, but the government refuses to acknowledge responsibility for the gigantic fraud. That is why the government refuses to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the whole affair.

The key issue is to bring to book all those who are involved in wrongdoing. The former minister, the guilty officials and the corporates who have suborned them. The first step in fact should be to cancel the licences of all those companies who have acquired it by illegal means. Further, as the TRAI has pointed out, the licences of those companies who did not fulfill the rollout obligations should also be annulled. Fresh auction should be held to raise the revenue to recoup the losses.

The Prime Minister and his government will be judged on how they accomplish this.

The government’s approach to tackling the Commonwealth Games scandal is also deplorable. It has appointed a Committee which has no powers. What is required are investigations by a joint team of the CBI, the ED and other agencies and prosecution of all those guilty in the scams. The investigation should involve not just the Organising Committee, but should bring within its purview all contracts and dealings by the Delhi government and the Central government agencies.

Rampant Corruption in Karnataka

The BJP government headed by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa in Karnataka has set a new record in cronyism and loot of public resources. This government, which has the mining mafia as part of it, has become the hotbed for all forms of corruption. The Chief Minister himself has been favouring his sons and relatives. His defence is that previous Chief Ministers have done so too. There is no other way but for Yeddyurappa to resign as Chief Minister. The BJP is no different from the Congress when it comes to embracing the nexus of big business and indulging in cronyism.

Campaign against Corruption

There is an intertwining of the interests of big corporates and contractors, on the one side, and the ruling politicians and bureaucrats, on the other, which are engaged in promoting crony capitalism, siphoning off of public funds and dispensing favours. This is the new liberalized regime ushered in which is now polluting and corrupting every sphere of public life.

Such massive corruption, defrauding of the exchequer and siphoning off of public funds is an assault on the people and the poor. The Rs. 1.76 lakh crore loss of revenue in the 2G and other similar scams could have financed a universal Public Distribution System, expanded the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and enabled a big expansion of public health and education systems. The people have to be mobilized for a war on corruption.

The Central Committee of the CPI(M) decided to conduct a campaign against corruption and the big business-politician-bureaucrat nexus. The week-long campaign will be held from December 5-11, 2010 during which all Party units will hold meetings, dharnas and rallies to focus on the issue of corruption in high places and the need to bring the guilty to book.

Obama Visit

The outcome of the visit of the US President Obama has been to promote the business and commercial interests of the United States and to draw India into a closer military and security relationship. The joint statement issued after the visit has talked about opening up Indian agriculture and retail trade for American MNCs. This will be detrimental to the interests of the crores of small and marginal farmers and small retail shop owners and traders. The joint statement spells out a close defence and security relationship which involves buying US weapons on a large scale.

The Manmohan Singh government seems to be falling in step with the geopolitical strategy of the United States in order to earn the US endorsement for India’s permanent membership of the Security Council. There are no prospects in the immediate future for such a membership to materialize. When it does so, it has to be on the basis of India’s independent role and influence and when the United Nations structure is democratised.

Jammu & Kashmir

The Central Committee discussed and adopted a report on the Jammu & Kashmir problem. This report deals with the historical background of the issue and spells out the Party’s approach for a political solution for the Kashmir issue.

The Central Committee noted that no steps have been taken to remove the security structures which are oppressing the people in the Kashmir valley. Though the eight point initiative of the Centre talked about a review of the Disturbed Areas Act in force, nothing has been done in that direction.

The Central Committee expressed its disappointment at the appointment of a group of interlocutors for Jammu & Kashmir who are non-political persons. If the political process is to be taken seriously there has to be a political group which can initiate the dialogue process.

Hindutva Terrorism

The recent arrest of the absconding Aseemanand who is the main accused in the Hyderabad Mecca Masjid blast is further confirmation of the fact that some extremist Hindutva elements are responsible for terrorist activities. The protests of the RSS that Hindu religious figures and its activities are being framed for political reasons is disproved by the hard facts and evidence that has emerged.

Price Rise

The Central Committee noted that inflation remains at a high rate of 8.5 per cent and the prices of food items continue to rise. The deregulation of petrol prices has led to a creeping increase in the prices of petrol. From September, through successive hikes, the price has increased by Rs. 1.48 per litre adding to the inflationary pressure.

The Central Committee reiterated its demand that the deregulation of petrol prices be scrapped. It further demanded that the speculation in foodgrains and essential commodities in futures trading be prohibited.

Micro Finance Loot

The Central Committee expressed serious concern at the exploitation by micro finance companies who are charging exorbitant interest rates on loans given to members of self-help groups. The Central Government should through legislation, introduce a cap on interest rates and strictly regulate this sector.

FDI In Retail Trade

The Central Committee warned the UPA government not to open up multi-brand retail trade to foreign companies. The ministry of Commerce and Industry is pushing for such an opening. The Central Committee decided to mobilize small traders and shopkeepers and public opinion against the entry of foreign retail chains.

West Bengal

The Central Committee appreciated the efforts of the Party in the Maoist affected districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia where people have been mobilised to oppose Maoist violence. In the past four months, people have been coming out in large numbers and holding protest demonstrations and rallies against the depredations of the Maoists and have isolated them from most parts of Jangal Mahal. The Trinamul Congress which is openly colluding with the Maoists continues to extend support to them. The Central Committee condemned the violent attacks by the TMC combine and the Maoists who are killing CPI(M) cadres and supporters in various parts of the state.

The Central Committee paid tribute to the 319 comrades who have been killed in the state since the last Lok Sabha elections.

Call for Campaigns & Struggles

The Central Committee called upon its units to launch a campaign on the following issues:

1. For a political solution of the Jammu & Kashmir problem

2. Against the communal forces and the terrorist activities of the Muslims and Hindu extremists. Uncover the Hindu extremist network involved in terrorist activities

3. For firm action against those involved in the 2G spectrum scam, the Commonwealth Games corruption, the Adarsh Society scam and the corruption scandals associated with the BJP government in Karnataka

4. Oppose the entry of FDI in retail trade.

5. Implement the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report recommendation on reservation for Muslim minority;

6. Stop disinvestment of the profitable public sector units

7. Bring the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha for adoption

8. Oppose the Seed Bill which is against the interests of the farmers and in favour of the MNCs and corporates.

The Party will launch struggles for

1. Strengthening the PDS and ensuring Food security. Ensure 35 kg of wheat or rice at Rs. 2 per kg in the Universal Public Distribution System

2. A cap on interest on loans given by the micro finance companies

3. Rights of contract workers; Regularize their service in perennial jobs; Defend right to form trade unions

4. Statutory minimum wages for workers in MNREGA and introduction of Urban Employment Guarantee Act

DYFI Anti Dowry meet held in Mangalore

“Commanding dowry or accepting it can never be a question of status. Accepting of dowry is worse than running a brothel,” commented writer, Jyoti Guruprasad. 

She was speaking after inaugurating the Anti-dowry Meet organized at the NGO Hall in the city by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Sunday November 14. She urged the society to realize that the practice of giving dowry along with their daughters, and handing over girls like bonded labourers to the families of boys, is highly inhuman.

“Honour killings are increasingly happening because of the dowry system. The number of murders under the guise of honour killings is increasing, as the families, in addition to being driven to protect the prestige of their respective castes or creeds, are also powered by the anger at the fact that love marriages rob them of the opportunity to demand dowry,” she analyzed.

Lecturer of Vijaya College Mulky, Shailaja, called upon the women to drive away the deep-rooted ideas about morality and traditions from their minds. “We should not get bogged down by our beliefs about ethics and morals in everything we do. The entire lives of women should not be wasted in serving others. They should share the power that is presently enjoyed by men. Shed the mindset of accepting men as more powerful and more prominent members of family. Give birth to a child, only if you are able to care for it and bring it up. There is no need to think that the protection and care of husband is needed for a woman to lead a life of fulfilment,” she advised.

DYFI district president, Munir Katipalla, who presided, felt that dowry system has come to stay because of the support the system receives from women folk. “There are girls who demand gold ornaments and dowry from their parents, on par with their elder sisters. The drive to fight against evils is dying down of late. For example, the student movements are being crushed through semester examination system,” he claimed.

DYFI district women’s sub-committee secretary, Pramila K, city secretary, Reshma Mulky, and DYFI city secretary, B K Imtiaz Kana, were present. 

(courtesy :Dajiworld)

BSNL Employees Union March to Parliament is a grand success

The March to Parliament programme, called on by the JAC, was a grand success. The rally started from BSNL Corporate Office at 1130 hrs.Thousands of workers participated in the rally with banners and flags. The zeal and enthusiasm shown by the participants ii a warning to the government.. They raised slogans against the ant-BSNL policies being adopted by the government. Slogans against disinvestment/privatization, unbundling and VRS were raised. Unhindered equipment supply to BSNL and immediate settlement to the issue off ITS absorption were also demanded by the rallyists. The rally went through Janpath,, Tolstoy Marg and Parliament street.

It was stopped at the Parliament street police station, where a huge meeting was conducted. Com. Basudev Acharya, M..P. and a leader of the CPI(M) group in the Lok Sabha, inaugurated the meeting. Others who addressed the meeting were Com.VAN Namboodiri, Convenor JAC, Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, BSNLEU,Com. Prahlad Rai,GS (AIBSNLEA), Com. A.A. Khan, AGS (SNEA), Com. K. Valliiayagam, GS (FNTO),Com. V. Subburaman, GS(TEPU), Com.S.P.Sharma (WRU), Com. Hari Singh (BTU), Com. R.S. Yadav (ATM), Com. K.G.Jayaraj, SG, AIBDPA, Com. N.D. Ram (SEWA BSNL), Com. Tapas Kumar Ghosh, SG,BSNL C& CWF and Com. G.L. Jogi GS (SNEA). NFTE BSNL has taken a decision not to participate in the rally. However, it’s General Secretary Com. C. Singh came and addressed the meeting.

BSNLEU has made a huge mobilization for this rally. Many comrades have come with their families. CHQ expresses it’s hearty thanks and congratulations to all the Circle and District Secretaries of BSNLEU for making the rally a grand success. The BSNLEU Circle Unions which are nearer to Delhi, like UP (West), Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan,, Himachal Pradesh, UP (East) and Uttaranchal have made a massive mobilization for the rally. Even far away Circles have made very good mobilization. Tamil Nadu brought 350 comrades, Chennai Circle brought 120 comrades, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh brought 100 comrades each. CHQ warmly congratulates the participants.

CPI(M) holds rally in Himachal Pradesh for Dalit rights

Communist Party of India Marxist today held a protest rally over discrimination being meted out to the dalit community in the state.

Addressing the gathering Comrade Rakesh Sinha, Secretary CPI(M) Himachal Pradesh State committee said that because of religious sanction, social discrimination had become legitimized.

On the basis of a survey of dalit households conducted by the party, he said that more than 50 forms of social discrimination were being practiced in the hill state.

The protester after marching from Panchayat Bhawan to Ambedkar Chowk were addressed by other CPI(M) leaders also.

The party has drawn up plans of submitting a memorandum to the government over implementation of land reforms by seeking allotment of fresh land to the poor, with dalits being the majority among the poor.

The party also sought that 85th constitutional amendment be implemented in letter and spirit and the state draw up a special plan for dalit households and villages with respect to infrastructure development such as roads, education, drinking water and irrigation and MNREGA.

"The party has conducted a comprehensive survey in the state on the different forms of social discrimination being practiced in the state" state committee member Tikender Panwar said, addressing the rally. The survey covered over 35,000 households and more than 50 types of discrimination were identified, he said. Panwar appealed to the the government to implement the constitutional provisions for welfare of dalits and maintain strict vigil to ensure that no atrocities were committed in form of untouchability, denying access to temples, common sources of water and public functions.

The rally also gave a call for holding a massive state level convention at Mandi on February 6, 2011, which would be a more broad based front to fight social discrimination. Speakers also sought extension of reservation to the private sector.

(Courtesy : Himvani)

CPIM demands fresh elections to Karnataka Assembly

CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury on Saturday sought fresh elections to the Legislative Assembly in the State even as he launched an all out attack against the ruling BJP government dubbing it as “an empire of corruption.”

Speaking after inaugurating CPI(M)’s “Throw out BJP, save democracy,” awareness campaign in Bangalore, Yechury called for a people’s movement against what he called “political immorality” and against siphoning of funds for personal gain by politicians. He said the BJP government only had a technical majority in the Assembly following the disqualification of 11 rebels. “Elementary norms of democracy mandate that a Government should enjoy majority of the full House. Fresh elections need to be held to restore democratic principles in the State,” he said. The CPI(M) leader alleged the State Government was indulging in “shoddy deals” and “unethical practices” to stay in power.

Dangerous precedent
He charged that the ruling BJP in the State had set a dangerous precedent of distorting people’s will and mandate by money power. The BJP, he alleged, was manipulating the system for personal gains. Three ministers in the State had to quit following charges of corruption. Charges of favouritism had also been made against Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Yechury alleged. At the Centre, the Congress government had been found neck deep in a slew of scams. The 2G telecom scam had caused losses to the exchequer to the tune of Rs 1.73 lakh crore, he said and pointed out that same amount was sufficient to provide total food security to every family in the country or ensuring a school in every village. Later, speaking to reporters, he said the allegation made by former chief of the RSS K S Sudarshan against Congress President Sonia Gandhi were unacceptable.
(Courtesy : Deccan Herald)

Drop Raja from the Cabinet Immediately

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the Prime Minister immediately drop the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Shri A. Raja. With increasing evidence of the scam tumbling out and the CAG Report itself reportedly estimating a loss of Rs. 1,76,000 crores, there is no way that this issue can be pushed under the carpet. The Supreme Court Bench itself had observed adversely on the failure of the CBI to question the Minister. It was implicit that his continuation in the Council of Ministers is impacting the progress of the investigations. Today’s press reports actually confirm this as a meeting was `arranged’ between CBI’s investigating officers and Shri Raja’s Counsel. There is also a report that the former DoT Secretary has now publicly claimed that the Minister had allegedly tried to force him to agree to the course of allocating 2G spectrum which he refused. And subsequently, the Minister ensured the course he had chosen which has resulted in this mega scam.

In the light of all these, the CPI(M) is of the firm opinion that the continuation of the Minister has become untenable. Since he has categorically refused to quit voluntarily, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the Prime Minister act urgently.

CPIM Himachal State Committee to hold rally on Dalit rights in Shimla

The Himachal Pradesh state committee of CPI (M) will hold a mass rally on Dalit rights’ issue on November 15 in Shimla. This will perhaps be the first-ever rally of any political party on the issue of social discrimination in the state.

CPIM  conducted a survey in the state to access different forms of social discrimination being practiced in the state covering more than 35,000 houses in over 1,000 panchayats. The party found that different forms of discrimination ranging from cultural, economic, lingual, religious and even aesthetic are prevalent in the state.

“After Punjab, the state has the second largest ratio of scheduled castes population (24.7%). Nearly 70% of Dalit households either own no land or very less land. They live in abject poverty with their strength even according to government estimates reaching over 40% below poverty line. 97.86% Dalit kisans are either small or marginal in their capacity. Their education status is also quite dismal with just 0.53% having industrial education, 5% up to secondary and just 2% graduates. 15% have completed matric,” the survey states.

CPIM has decided to submit a memorandum to the government to seek implementation of land reforms and land for the poor; implementation of 85th constitutional amendment in letter and spirit; special plan for Dalit households and villages with respect to infrastructure development; tap water supply for every Dalit house; steps to deal with unsociability; and reservation in private sector.

(Source : Himvani)

AIDWA conferece concludes with a mass rally

The Ninth National Conference of the All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) came to a close on Friday with the election of 101 Central Executive Committee members from among the delegates. 

In keeping with the three-term policy for office-bearers, Subhashini Ali was relieved from the post of president and Shyamoli Gupta from West Bengal was elected in her place. Sudha Sundararaman will continue as general secretary for another three-year term. 

The conference unanimously resolved to intensify the resistance to the neo-liberal growth model, strengthen struggles for a universal public distribution system and for the rights of the organised and unorganised sector, resist the privatisation of education, health, and social security, and prevent exploitation of women through SHGs. It called upon the organisation to strengthen the campaign against all forms of conservatism and defend the rights of young people to choose their partners, and combat the communal and fundamentalist offensive. 

Com. Shaymili Gupta             Com Sudha Sundarraman

Particular emphasis was laid in defence of the Left women's movement in West Bengal. It called upon AIDWA units to “effectively counter the vicious anti-Left offensive being unleashed by the ruling classes, particularly in West Bengal by the Maoist-Trinamool Congress combine.” The organisation has pledged to take up, in the coming three years, “specific forms of oppression being faced by Dalit, Minority and Adivasi women, on a priority basis, and focus on the problems of the youth and single women.” 

In addition, it will “build an effective campaign against multiple forms of violence against women and girl children, intensify actions against sex-selective abortions and dowry, as part of a larger mass movement to counter the combined impact of patriarchy and growing consumerism, work for recognition of matrimonial property rights and other legal rights.” It resolved to intervene against commercialised media and the marketisation of rituals and religiosity, and create cultural alternatives to strengthen the secular and democratic fabric of India.

 At a public meeting held at Ghanta Ghar in Kanpur, which the local Bharatiya Janata Party unit tried to stop allegedly with the help of police, AIDWA vice-president Brinda Karat called for a fight against the policies of neo-liberalism as followed by the United Progressive Alliance led by Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. “If a family works for three days in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme they would be considered to be above the official poverty line, and hence could not access the provisions of the proposed Food Security Act. On the other hand, the salaries of Members of Parliament have been increased ten-fold.”

Ms. Subhashini Ali, former AIDWA President, pointed out that despite a Dalit woman being Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh and prevailing government rules, Shanti, a Dalit cook in a primary school, was removed owing to upper caste pressure. AIDWA took up the issue and ensured that she was reinstated.

Need to regulate microfinance institutions: AIDWA

Among the several resolutions passed on Thursday by the 9th conference of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) in Kanpur, one of the most important ones was on the need to regulate microfinance institutions (MFIs), which are exercising an iron grip on poor women debtors in several States of the country.

The resolution drew attention to the “spate of suicides as a result of the harassment and strong-arm tactics employed by commercial and profit-oriented corporate MFIs for loan recovery.” Taking advantage of the failure of banks to meet the credit needs of the poor, “This new breed of moneylenders is luring women to form Self Help Groups, and then charging them exorbitant rates of interest — as high as 48-60 percent…Whatever little collectivism has been generated by the SHGs has been systematically destroyed in the process.”

It highlights the situation in Andhra Pradesh, where “32 MFIs are reported to have given loans worth Rs. 25,000 crore to 40 per cent of the poor women in the State. Unable to meet their forcible demands for loan recovery, more than a hundred people have committed suicide in the last three months.” The ordinance promulgated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh is an eye-wash as it does not put a cap on the interest rates that MFIs can charge.

The resolution calls for an immediate Central law to cap interest rates charged by MFIs, and to regulate their operations; to file criminal cases against MFIs engaged in extortionist practices; to cap interest rates from banks to SHGs at four per cent and cap loans given by MFIs to not more than two per cent above the banks interest rates to MFIs; and to expand cheap credit facilities through direct banking to SHGs.

“From the village money-lender to the corporate money-lender” — is how Taposhi Praharaj, Vice-President of the Orissa unit of AIDWA, described the credit situation in her State. The AIDWA unit in Orissa surveyed 600 SHGs in 12 districts of the State, including those that have taken government loans; those that have taken loans from government and MFIs; and those that borrowed only from MFIs. The last category accounts for 70 per cent of the SHGs surveyed.

The survey found that MFIs had penetrated deep into villages and towns. While on paper, the rate of interest is a flat 10 per cent, the interest charged is on the entire principal through the repayment period, with cuts made from the principal amount under several heads — such as processing fee, bank charges, agreement charges, membership charges and so on. “The compounded interest is never less than 52 per cent, and we found that on the last 10 rupee instalment, the interest is 525 percent!”

Measures of recovery are harsh. Agents operate through the head of the SHG the debtor belongs to, and take away her every possession. “Bilashini Behra from Bhubaneshwar took loans from three MFIs, each successive one to pay the previous. She committed suicide because she could ultimately not repay,” said Ms. Praharaj.

“The Central government, with the view that this can attract Foreign Direct Investment, has moved a Bill on MFIs,” said Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat. “There is no cap on interest, so that women's savings can be taken control of, destroying the autonomy of SHGs. In fact, when I met the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister with an AIDWA delegation, he categorically told me that he had instructions from the Centre that there should be no cap on interest rates.”

(Courtesy : The Hindu)

Muslim women face multiple discrimination: AIDWA

A book on Muslim women being released at the ninth AIDWA
conference in Kanpur on Wednesday.

“The triple talaq is a sword hanging over the heads of married Muslim women,” said Sehba Farooqui, secretary of the Delhi State Unit of the All India Democratic Women's Association, in her introduction to the resolution on the practice of triple talaq passed by the 9th national conference of the organisation on Wednesday. “A minor disagreement can result in talaq.”

Drawing attention to a case where a wife was recently divorced by triple talaq through an online Skype chat, the resolution highlighted the “iniquity and absurdness” of a practice that is affecting thousands of Muslim women in the country today. The Darul-Uloom-Deoband upheld the husband's right and issued a fatwa against the wife.

The AIDWA resolution argues that not only is the practice of triple talaq discriminatory and unjust towards the wife and thus against constitutional principles, it is also contrary to Islam.

“Triple talaq said in one sitting is a part of one interpretation of the Koran. Actually, the Koran proscribes it,” argues Ms. Farooqui. “There is another interpretation that talaq should be given over the three-month period, and we are urging that this pro-woman option be exercised.”

Triple talaq, according to the resolution, has been proscribed or limited in a number of countries across the world, for example in Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Turkey and Tunisia, and that it is only in India that Muslim men have untrammeled freedom to pronounce triple talaq.

AIDWA sent a representation against the practice signed by 20,000 Muslim women to the central government and the Muslim Personal Law Board, but this was ignored.

The occasion was also marked by the release of a book entitled ‘Muslim Women: AIDWA's Interventions and Struggles,' a collection of articles, reports and documents on the many levels of discrimination faced by Muslim women: in the personal sphere, as victims of communalism and terrorism, and as a section deprived of basic rights of citizenship.

For AIDWA, however, the issue of fighting for citizenship rights – for fair wages, jobs, access to civic amenities (including the public distribution system), is an area of immediate priority, said Ms. Farooqui. “In Delhi, for example, Muslim women are concentrated in exploitative home-based industries working on piece rates, where they earn between Rs.1000 and Rs. 1200 a month. They cannot afford to lose their jobs when their men are out of work, but here we have fought for provident fund provisions for such women.”

The contrasts in the status of Muslim women across the country is vividly illustrated by the experiences of Tajwar Sultana, an activist who lives and works in the crowded bylanes of the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi, and 35-year-old Parveen Akhtar from West Tripura, who is an elected member of the Zilla Parishad. “There is absolutely no practice of triple talaq in my State,” said Ms. Akhtar with a laugh, adding that Muslim women have come forward significantly into the political space. “In the Ashabadi Panchayat of Baksanagar block of the nine members, eight are Muslim and one Hindu. The State government has introduced many schemes for Muslim women.”

(Courtesy : The Hindu)