Awami Mutahida Mahaz (AMM) Releases First List of its Candidates

Awami Mutahida Mahaz(AMM) today released its first list of ten candidates for the forthcoming state Assembly Elections. J&K Awami Mutahida Mahaz was formed in September last year as an amalgam of CPI(M), Peoples Democratic Front, Samajwadi Party, JKNDF, CPI, IDP and some other likeminded parties/groups. The Mahaz stresses on the formation of alternative political policies, maintaining of state’s unity, strengthening of its secular fabric, rooting out of corruption and striving for exemplary good governance. It aims at making purposeful and constructive intervention within and outside the legislative institutions for maintaining peace and resolving of burning issues, confronting the people of the state. It also advocates guaranteeing difference of opinion, intensive constructive changes in the administration; complete rehabilitation of migrants and released militants , jobs for the unemployed; regularization of casual and other employees and due role to the youth of the state in political, social, cultural and developmental activities. The Mahaz stands for the restoration of all the political and administrative powers to the state, withdrawn by underhand means since 1952, withdrawal of all draconian laws, unconditional release of all detenues against whom there are no serious criminal charges and the removal of disparities among different regions and sub-regions of the state.

 
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami CPI(M) will contest from Kulgam,Hakeem Mohd Yaseen (PDF) from Khan Sahib, Fayaz Ahmad Dar (PDF) from Budgam, Zahoor Ahmad Rather CPI(M) from Wachi, Ab. Qayoom Mir(PDF) from Pulwama, Ab Rashid Pandith CPI from Shopian ; Er. Sheikh Mohd Shafi (Samajwadi Party) from Baderwah , Amrit Varsa(Samajwadi Party) from Ramban; Advocate Pushpa Dogra (Samajwadi Party) from Chenani and Om Prakash CPI(M) from Reasi

Regarding post flood reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected in the state, the Mahaz has advocated setting up of an enquiry commission which should identify the main causes of the unprecedented destructive floods and fix its responsibility. The umbrella organization feels that along with other causes, the carelessness and insensitivity of the government has to be taken into account. In its manifesto, the Mahaz has promised to strive with vigour for complete reconstruction of various public and private sectors as also for rehabilitating all the flood affected people. Giving top priority to relief, the Mahaz has urged the central government to declare the recent Kashmir floods as a “National Disaster” and release funds accordingly.

National Convention of Dalits - Nov 27

We are happy to inform you that the Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) is organising a National Convention on November 27 in New Delhi at Constitution Club Annexe. In a press meet organised in New Delhi on November 3, 2014, the Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) has demanded the Central Government to call a Special Session of Parliament to discuss the issues concerning the Dalits.
The Dalit Soshan Mukti Manch is a national level platform of organisations and individuals belonging to various states who have come together and have formed a National Platform of Action against Caste Discrimination and for Social Justice. The DSMM will fight against untouchability, social oppression, caste discrimination and attacks on Dalits in various states and for economic upliftment of socially oppressed sections.
These organisations are:
• Pattikajathi Kshema Samithi in Kerala,
• Tapasili Jati Samanway Samiti in Tripura,
• Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TN)
• Kula Vivaksha Vyatireka Porata Sangham in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Dalit Utpeedan Virodhi Morcha in Himachal Pradesh,
• Karnataka Dalit Hakkagala Committee
• Jaathi Antha Sangharsh Samiti in Maharashtra
• Dalit Adhikar Manch in Haryana

And various other organisations in many states have been taking up issues of untouchability and atrocities on Dalits and waging struggles. They have been organising various activities promoting the cause of social justice. The DSMM will also include people who have been consistently raising issues of social justice.
This Platform will also join the other socially oppressed groups and work in solidarity with those who are fighting for social justice.
In this endeavour, we are seeking the support of all the democratic minded people to strengthen and galvanise the movement for social justice.
To fight social oppression and to promote unity among all Dalits and other socially oppressed sections of the society, a National Convention is being organised on November 27 in New Delhi.
This Platform will be focussing and campaigning on the following issues:
• Untouchability
The inhuman practice of untouchability is still prevalent across the country making it impossible for the sense of brotherhood to prevail among the people. The eradication of untouchability is an important step towards attaining social justice.
• Caste discrimination
Various forms of caste based discrimination are practiced in our country. Right from tea stalls in villages to higher education institutes like universities, to disallowing Dalits into temples, we find caste based discrimination on the people.
• Atrocities
Violence and atrocities on Dalits are increasing. Whenever and wherever there is an assertion by the Dalits for their rights, we see that they are being attacked. Incidents of ‘Honour’ killings are increasing across the country.

• Inequity and issues of land, wage and employment
There is a huge gap between the Dalits and other sections of the society in terms of possessing assets. A large number of Dalits are landless. They are economically exploited as a majority of them are agricultural labourers and there is discrimination in paying equal wages to Dalits.

• Safeguarding MGNREGA
The rural employment guarantee Act has provided some amount of relief for the socially oppressed groups in the villages. To an extent, it paved way for lesser dependence on the upper caste/landlord sections. Now the Government of India has decided to dilute it which is inimical to the interests of Dalits. We need to protect MGNREGA and strive to ensure that the Act is further strengthened.

• Implementation of Civil Rights
Although the Constitution grants equal civil rights to all sections of the people, we witness that the situation in practice is not so. Dalits are denied these rights at every stage of life. Still many uncivilised practices are going on against the spirit of the Constitution.
• Issues of Reservation
There are many instances where the policy of reservations is not implemented properly. The rules are being flouted. Even now, there is no legislation for providing reservations in private sector.
• Recruitment
There are many posts lying vacant in the departments. A special drive must be undertaken to fill up all backlog posts.
• Non-implementation of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan
There are many instances where the PoA Act has not been implemented and there is laxity on the part of the authorities to invoke this Act. The SCSP is also not implemented as we see that the mandated allocations are never made in the budgets. For effective implementation of SCSP a law should be enacted to make this as a statutory one.
• Issues of Dalit women
The Dalit women face the worst forms of attacks and caste violence. Gang-rapes and rapes on Dalit women are increasing.
They face the triple oppression based on caste, class and gender. This should end.
In our efforts to challenge and fight the scourge of caste and social oppression, we seek the support and participation of all sections of people who believe in equality and democracy. We appeal to all the democratic minded people to make the November 27 Convention a huge success.
Signatories
K Varadarajan (Tamil Nadu)
V Srinivas Rao (Andhra Pradesh)
Kanti Biswas (West Bengal)
K Radha Krishnan (Kerala)
G Mamatha (Telangana)
Tikender Singh Panwar (Himachal Pradesh)
Ram Avtar Sulchani (Haryana)
Brijlal Bharati (Uttar Pradesh)

Week Long Protest Campaign by Six Left Parties

 

A meeting of six Left parties – Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Revolutionary Socialist Party, All India Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-Liberation and Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) was held today at New Delhi. They have issued the following statement:

 

With the advent of the Modi government in power there is a concerted rightwing offensive fueled by the corporate-Hindutva forces. There is a growing onslaught on the people through the imposition of neo-liberal policies which is going to adversely impact the livelihood of the people. There is no respite for the people from price rise, unemployment and corruption.

 

The Hindutva forces are resorting to aggressive communal activities. The Modi government’s patronage of the RSS and its outfits is aimed at communalising the educational, social and cultural institutions. There is rise in communal tensions in different parts of the country.

 

The Left parties decided to conduct a week long protest campaign between December 8 to 14, 2014 on the following issues:

 

(i)               Against steps to  curtail and dilute the MNREGA

(ii)            Curb price rise; control exorbitant price of medicines and drugs

(iii)           No increased FDI in insurance.

(iv)          Take firm action to unearth black money

(v)             Stop infiltration of the RSS and Hindutva ideology in education, public broadcasting media and other institutions of the State.

(vi)          Stop the “love jihad” hate campaign and other forms of communal propaganda

(vii)        Stop attacks on minorities and their rights

(viii)     Fight violence against women and all forms of gender oppression

(ix)          Fight against atrocities on dalits and caste oppression

 

 

Those who attended the meeting were:

 

Debabrata Biswas {AIFB}; Kshiti Goswami & Manoj Bhattacharya {RSP}; Swapan Mukherjee & Kavita Krishnan {CPI(ML)-Liberation}; Manik Mukherjee & Ranjit Dhar {SUCI(C)}, A.B. Bardhan & D Raja {CPI} and Prakash Karat & S Ramachandran Pillai {CPI(M)}.

Polit Bureau Communiqué

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on October 13 & 14, 2014. It has issued the following statement:

Jammu & Kashmir Floods

The floods in Jammu & Kashmir have created unprecedented devastation. Even five weeks after the disaster people in many areas have not received any relief. The compensation announced by the state government of Rs. 70,000 for a completely destroyed pucca house and Rs. 15,000 for partially damaged houses is too inadequate. It is essential that the J & K floods be declared a national calamity and the relief and rehabilitation package be decided accordingly. The CPI(M) decided to complete its fund collection for the relief and rehabilitation work. Rs. 50 lakhs have been raised so far.

Cyclone Hudhud

The Polit Bureau called for effective relief and rehabilitation measures for all those affected by the Hudhud cyclone which has struck three districts of Andhra Pradesh – Vishakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam – along with Ganjam district in Odisha. The Central government must assist in all possible ways to see that communication and infrastructure are restored and for a complete return to normal life.

Outcome of PM Visit to US

The Polit Bureau took serious note of the fact that the United States has sought to pressurize India on the Indian Patent law and Intellectual Property Rights policy. It also sought the dilution of the civil nuclear liability law of the country. Both these are reflected in the joint statement issued by Prime Minister Modi and President Obama. The joint statement announced the decision to set up an Intellectual Property Working Group. The US pharmaceutical companies have been demanding that India dilute its present patent regime which has utilised the flexibilities provided in the TRIPS agreement. It is this which helps to keep drug prices low for the people in India.

The Polit Bureau demanded that the Modi Government not resile from the existing patent law and IPR regime. No changes should be brought without public discussion and being debated in parliament.

The joint statement also provides for setting up Contact Groups to discuss liability issues in the nuclear reactors sales. The Polit Bureau reiterated that the provisions of the civil nuclear liability law are in the interests of the safety and security of the people of India and should not be diluted in any way.

The Polit Bureau strongly opposed the decision to go in for renewal of the Indo-US Defence Framework Agreement for another 10 years. Such a long term defence collaboration agreement with the United States is uncalled for and is not in the interests of India’s strategic autonomy and independent foreign policy.

Reduce Oil Prices

There has been a sharp fall in the international prices of oil. At present, crude oil price has gone below $ 90 per barrel. Despite this, the Modi government has not reduced the prices of diesel at any stage. The retail price of petrol also needs to be reduced further.

The Polit Bureau demands an immediate cut in the petroleum prices. 

Curtailment of MNREGA

The Modi government has taken steps to curtail and restrict the rural employment guarantee Act. The government move is to restrict the employment guarantee scheme to selected districts and blocks. This will go against the Act which provides for universal coverage in the rural areas. Secondly, the move is to change the ratio between material and wages. This will bring down the wage component and reduce the availability of the scheme and open the way for contractors.

The Polit Bureau reiterated the call to conduct a countrywide campaign against the moves to curtail the employment guarantee Act and calls upon the Party and various mass organisations to conduct struggles to see that the scheme is implemented in full in the rural areas.

Review Report

The Polit Bureau finalised the draft Review Report on the Political-tactical line. This will be placed for discussion in the next meeting of the Central Committee to be held from October 26 to 29, 2014.

CPI (M) candidates for Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections, 2014

Sl No	District	Name of the constituency	Name of the candidate
1	Solapur	Solapur City Central	Narsayya Adam
2	Palghar	Dahanu (ST)	Barkya Mangat
3	Palghar	Vikramghad (ST)	Ratan Budhar
4	Palghar	Palghar (ST)	Chandrakant Vartha
5	Palghar	Boisar (ST)	Heena Vanga
6	Thane	Shahapur (ST)	Suresh Tandel
7	Nashik	Kalvan (ST)	J. P. Gavit
8	Nashik	Dindori (ST)	Adv. Dattu Padavi
9	Nashik	Nashik West	D. L. Karad
10	Jalna	Partur	Maroti Khandare
11	Nanded	Kinwat	Arjun Ade
12	Beed	Parali	Uttam Mane
13	Parbhani	Pathri	Vilas Babar
14	Nandurbar	Shahada (ST)	Jaysingh Mali
15	Ahmednagar	Akole (ST)	Namdev Bhangare
16	Kolhapur	Ichalkaranji	Sada Malabade
17	Kolhapur	Hatkanangale (SC)	Bharma Kamble
18	Mumbai	Bhandup West	Hemkant Samant
19	Mumbai	Andheri West	K. Narayanan
20	Chandrapur	Ballarpur	Rameshchander Dahiwade

Reduce Diesel Prices

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) registers its protest over the refusal of the government and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to reduce the price of diesel, despite the fall in crude oil prices in the international market.
Price of Brent crude, the global oil price benchmark has fallen below $92 a barrel.  It is reported that the OMCs are earning Rs. 1.90 on every litre of diesel as `over recovery’.
While the government had directed OMCs to increase 50 paise per litre every month from January 2013, no reduction has been done in diesel price despite the fall in crude oil prices.  Through this inaction, government is burdening the people in general and especially the farmers, small scale industries and the goods transport sector.
The CPI(M) demands that the price of diesel be immediately reduced  considering the big fall in crude oil prices.

NIA Investigate Khagragarh Blast

The explosion in Khagragarh, near Burdwan town in West Bengal, which killed two persons involved in bomb making, is a very serious issue.  There are sufficient grounds to believe that extremist elements are involved.  The concerned house is owned by a Trinamool Congress worker and it is alleged that a TMC office used to function from the garage in the house.
The way in which the Burdwan Superintendent of Police and other state police officials have dealt with the incident has raised doubts and questions.
It is essential, therefore, that the investigation into the incident be handed over to the National Intelligence Agency as this concerns the country’s security. No effort should be spared to uncover the forces behind the bomb-making centre.

Khagragarh Blast Incident Indicates the Chances of Coming More Violent and Difficult Days: Biman Basu

 Trinamool Congress and Soft Communalism

The Khagragarh blast incident indicates the chances of coming more violent and difficult days in the state, and the ruling Trinamool Congress can't overrule its own responsibility for creating the space for such a grave situation in West Bengal, says Left Front Chairman Biman Basu while addressing the press. He clearly stated that the Left Front has time again alerted about the rise of communal forces in the state but for Trinamool Congress and its soft communal attitude has provided necessary space to both forms of communalism in the state that finally allows the insurgent forces to do enough massacre in the state. Left Front is of strong opinion that the rise of majority communalism also aggravates the rise of minority fundamentalism

Police to Suppress the TMC Association Evidence

On the issue of mopping up evidences of TMC association with the blast incident Biman Basu while expressing serious concern said that 'the ruling Trinamool Government is trying to mop up all evidences that establish close TMC association is a matter of great concern. We the Left Front strongly demand immediate revelation of all facts and information. We want all nodal Government investigating agencies to work independently without any obstacle.

Trinamool Association with the Incident

The more danger fact is to note that the incident has a connection with the ruling Trinamool Congress. The owner and the tenant all are politically associated with Trinamool Congress. Trinamool Congress has its office at the ground floor of that building; the party signboard was hastily removed immediate after the blast. Moreover the District Police administration has initially occluded the NIA officers to investigate the place. Police even intercepted the working Journalists and Media Persons to organize their work. The people of West Bengal must know what for Trinamool Congress and Police are creating obstacle to the NIA investigation. Why the Government is sitting so idle? It is known fact that Trinamool Congress MP has a direct connection with Fundamentalist Jamat. We therefore demand the revelation of all facts regarding Khagragarh blast

SFI on ongoing student movement in Himachal Pradesh

Central Executive committee of the Students’ Federation of India salutes the student community of Himachal and the state unit of SFI for showing extreme courage and conviction while facing most direct, extreme and brutal state repression. Chhatra Ekta Manch had given a call for state wide protest demo call in front of the HP secretariat at Chota Shimla today for a host of burning demands including roll back of the fee hike, against revocation of the SCA elections, roll back of the RUSA system and removal of the VC of HPU. As if complete disregard to the demands and sentiments of the student community, as well the wider mass was not enough; the police was misused by the state government to stop students who were on their way from the remote districts to participate in the rally in Shimla. Many buses filled with students were halted, many students were even arrested, and many others had to spend night in buses. Veerbhadra Government made every possible effort to stop student from joining the protest. In spite of every such attempt, 4000 strong protest demonstration was organised in Shimla and various road blockades were organised across the state.

Student movement of Himachal is giving a befitting reply to the neoliberal designs of the ruling classes who want to make education a commodity and has become a source of inspiration for the student movement in the entire country. In today’s political context in our country, whether be it in Jadavpur or be it in Himachal; students are on move- Students are on move demanding better and inclusive education, demanding democracy and opposing every single injustice. CEC pledges to carry forward the flame of our times with more vigour and more strength.

Left Front Calls for Intense Movement against the Trinamool State Government

 As per the schedule, the 22nd September Left Front rally has taken the charge of the city of Kolkata as a challenger to the State Government on Saradha Scam and Jadavpur University Massacre. The huge rally from Ramlila Park, Moulali to Park Circus Maidan has aptly clarified that the movement would continue to awaken the sleeping State Government. The state Left Front has committed to stand by the Taxi Drivers’ movement and the movement of Jadavpur University students against molestation of the lady student and mid-night Police attack on students within the campus.

Surjya Kanta Mishra

While addressing the crowd at Park Circus, Party Polit Bureau member Surjya Kanta Mishra slammed the Government saying that ‘we want the revelation of the ultimate in Saradha scam. The Chief Minister may be fond of watching TV serial but we want speedy end of the thriller serial continuing on Saradha Scam. The movement however would continue until all investors and agents get their money back’.

Speaking on Jadavpur massacre, he stated that ‘The Vice-Chancellor bears a single qualification that he belongs to Trinamool and nothing more than that. There is no other solution left beyond the removal of this Vice-Chancellor’.

On Saradha-Trinamool association he said that ‘not just Saradha scam, many chit fund companies have looted crores of money from various districts. The State Government has to list them up and take initiative to return the money. But SIT of the State Government has instead tried to cover the Trinamool leaders. CBI can call any person whosoever, Rabin Deb or even me or any Left Leader, we have no objection. We want confiscation of all involved Trinamool leaders’ property to pay the small investors back. The Left Front Government in such cases had have confiscated all such properties to pay the investors back’.

On Taxi Drivers’ movement he said that ‘only billionaires are good to this Government and all Taxi drivers and Minibus workers are nasty people. So movement is the only option’.

Biman Basu

Addressing the rally the Left Front Chairman Biman Basu stated that ‘Trinamool id perpetrating anarchy everywhere from Nabanna to all educational institutions. Refuting University autonomy, Trinamool has nominated their own people and closed ones in everywhere setting up a party-ruling in the state. The students for this reason have expressed no confidence on the new investigating committee on Jadavpur molestation case. The Vice-Chancellor himself has perpetrated the crime of mid-night attack on students’.

On Trinamool leader and Mamata Banerjee’s relation Abhishek Banerjee’s recent comment on JU movement as only for narcotics and liqour, Biman Basu slapped by saying that ‘this sort of comment can only come from those who take narcotics and himself is drunkard’.

Basu also said that ‘why now the self-proclaimed symbol of honesty is listening such a slogan “Gali gali mein shor hai, Trinamool Congress chor hai”. The State Government even opposed CBI investigation after more than 17 lakhs of people have lost their hardened money. The State Government has spent Rs. 11 crores to halt the CBI investigation because the ruling Trinamool’s MPs, MLAs, and Ministers’ are all involved in this biggest scam’.

On Taxi Drivers’ movement, Biman Basu said that ‘their demands are all legitimate and the Government is not even listening to them at all. So the movement is the only option’.

Left Front Calls for Intense Movement against the Trinamool State Government

The Rally Demands Immediate Removal of JU Vice-Chancellor: Left Front

Taxi-Drivers’ Movement will Continue until the State Government Accepts the Demands: Left Front

As per the schedule, the 22nd September Left Front rally has taken the charge of the city of Kolkata as a challenger to the State Government on Saradha Scam and Jadavpur University Massacre. The huge rally from Ramlila Park, Moulali to Park Circus Maidan has aptly clarified that the movement would continue to awaken the sleeping State Government. The state Left Front has committed to stand by the Taxi Drivers’ movement and the movement of Jadavpur University students against molestation of the lady student and mid-night Police attack on students within the campus.
Surjya Kanta Mishra
While addressing the crowd at Park Circus, Party Polit Bureau member Surjya Kanta Mishra slammed the Government saying that ‘we want the revelation of the ultimate in Saradha scam. The Chief Minister may be fond of watching TV serial but we want speedy end of the thriller serial continuing on Saradha Scam. The movement however would continue until all investors and agents get their money back’.
Speaking on Jadavpur massacre, he stated that ‘The Vice-Chancellor bears a single qualification that he belongs to Trinamool and nothing more than that. There is no other solution left beyond the removal of this Vice-Chancellor’.
On Saradha-Trinamool association he said that ‘not just Saradha scam, many chit fund companies have looted crores of money from various districts. The State Government has to list them up and take initiative to return the money. But SIT of the State Government has instead tried to cover the Trinamool leaders. CBI can call any person whosoever, Rabin Deb or even me or any Left Leader, we have no objection. We want confiscation of all involved Trinamool leaders’ property to pay the small investors back. The Left Front Government in such cases had have confiscated all such properties to pay the investors back’.
On Taxi Drivers’ movement he said that ‘only billionaires are good to this Government and all Taxi drivers and Minibus workers are nasty people. So movement is the only option’.
Biman Basu
Addressing the rally the Left Front Chairman Biman Basu stated that ‘Trinamool id perpetrating anarchy everywhere from Nabanna to all educational institutions. Refuting University autonomy, Trinamool has nominated their own people and closed ones in everywhere setting up a party-ruling in the state. The students for this reason have expressed no confidence on the new investigating committee on Jadavpur molestation case. The Vice-Chancellor himself has perpetrated the crime of mid-night attack on students’.
On Trinamool leader and Mamata Banerjee’s relation Abhishek Banerjee’s recent comment on JU movement as only for narcotics and liqour, Biman Basu slapped by saying that ‘this sort of comment can only come from those who take narcotics and himself is drunkard’.
Basu also said that ‘why now the self-proclaimed symbol of honesty is listening such a slogan “Gali gali mein shor hai, Trinamool Congress chor hai”. The State Government even opposed CBI investigation after more than 17 lakhs of people have lost their hardened money. The State Government has spent Rs. 11 crores to halt the CBI investigation because the ruling Trinamool’s MPs, MLAs, and Ministers’ are all involved in this biggest scam’.
On Taxi Drivers’ movement, Biman Basu said that ‘their demands are all legitimate and the Government is not even listening to them at all. So the movement is the only option’.

22nd September, 2014 - See more at: http://www.cpimwb.org.in/current_topic_details.php?topic_id=828#sthash.qHNB7Esw.dpuf