Maharashtra denounces murder of Narendra Dabholkar

Ashok Dhawale ( Secretary, CPIM Maharashtra State Committee)

Maharashtra reacted with shock, indignation and outrage at the dastardly assassination of Dr Narendra Dabholkar in Pune in the early morning of August 20. He was gunned down by two young armed men when he was on his morning walk. Top police sources said that it was a meticulously planned and premeditated murder. The needle of suspicion for this cowardly act pointed to the right-wing, obscurantist and intolerant Hindutva forces. It is now five days after this heinous murder; and yet no arrests have been made.        

All over the state for the next three days, thousands of people rallied in almost every town and city to denounce this diabolical act. Left, democratic and secular political parties and organizations took the lead in this campaign. Within an hour of the news of the murder, the CPI(M) state centre issued directives to all its units to mobilize like-minded forces throughout the state to organize immediate protest demonstrations. 

In cities like Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Nashik, Solapur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Nagpur, Amravati and several other places, large joint protests were held. Several leading Party comrades were among those who paid homage to the remains of Dabholkar in Pune and attended the funeral in his home town of Satara. Most sections of the print and electronic media covered this shocking occurrence in depth.

The murder of Narendra Dabholkar recalled memories of the gruesome murder of Communist MLA Krishna Desai by Shiv Sena hoodlums in 1970, and of the heinous assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse and his Hindutva cohorts in 1948.  

Dr Narendra Dabholkar, a medical doctor by training, was the Founder President of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS); the foremost champion of the Anti-Superstition Bill which the Congress-NCP state government left hanging for the last 14 years; the Editor of the popular socialist weekly ‘Sadhana’ that was founded 65 years ago by the legendary Sane Guruji; a strong proponent of rationalism and the scientific temper; one of the early activists of the ‘Ek Gaon Ek Panavtha’ (One Village, One Source of Water) campaign against the caste discrimination of Dalits that was begun in the 1970s by Dr Baba Adhav; and one of the prominent leaders of the socialist stream in the state.

Even earlier, there had been several attacks by vested interests and obscurantist forces on programmes organized by the MANS in Maharashtra under Dabholkar’s leadership. The organization challenged the rapidly proliferating religious godmen who claimed to perform miracles, to give a demonstration of these ‘miracles’ in the presence of MANS activists. None dared to take up the challenge. The same was the case with astrologers.

Dabholkar fought against a number of superstitions – like human sacrifice, black magic, witchcraft, ghosts, reincarnation and all kinds of obscurantist rituals. Recently he began a campaign against the so-called Jaat (Caste) Panchayats, which prohibited marriages outside their caste and meted out dire consequences to those who disobeyed. He was about to begin a campaign against the increasingly lucrative trade in ‘Astro Gems’. All these activities could never be to the liking of communal and obscurantist forces.

This assassination has also exposed the thoroughly opportunist and weak-kneed character of the Congress-NCP regime in the state. For the last 14 years since its advent to power in Maharashtra in 1999, it did not display the courage to enact the Anti-Superstition Act for which Dabholkar consistently fought in his last years. It actually diluted the original Bill that had been drafted with the help of Dabholkar and others. What it did not do for the last 14 years, it finally promised to do within a few hours of Dabholkar’s murder, in the form of an ordinance. What happens finally still remains to be seen. But whereas the original Bill prescribed stern punishment for 27 types of acts of superstition, the new measure has reportedly whittled them down to just 11.

This dilly-dallying on such an important issue was due to two main reasons. One was, of course, the soft Hindutva approach that has been a characteristic of the Congress in recent decades. It was afraid of the backlash that such a measure might lead to. The second reason is that many leading lights of the Congress- NCP, and naturally of the Sena-BJP as well, are ‘devout disciples’ of many of these religious godmen, and are connected with the vested interests that they represent. Hence, not enacting the Anti-Superstition Act was actually a result of the match-fixing between the ruling and main opposition combines.

Nor did the Congress-NCP regime take stern action against the forces that attacked or threatened the anti-superstition programmes held under Dabholkar’s leadership. The same has generally been its response so far as Hindutva terrorism is concerned. A few years ago, RSS-VHP-Bajrang Dal elements were caught red-handed in the bomb blasts in Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna and other places. Had thorough investigation been conducted and strict action been taken then by the Congress-NCP regime, the Malegaon and other bomb blasts could have been avoided. It was only due to the single-minded determination of martyred Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemant Karkare that the Hindutva connection behind the Malegaon blasts was exposed. But after his death, that trail has gone cold. The state government remains unconcerned. The murder of Narendra Dabholkar is the result.

The CPI(M) Polit Bureau and the CPI(M) Maharashtra state committee issued strong statements condemning the dastardly murder. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury raised the issue of Dabholkar’s murder in the Rajya Sabha, and he was supported by many other MPs. As a result, the Rajya Sabha adopted a condolence resolution mourning the death of Narendra Dabholkar – quite an extraordinary ocurrence. 

On Sunday, September 1, a large state-level condolence meeting to pay homage to Dr Narendra Dabholkar and to take a pledge to fight the communal and obscurantist forces, is being held in Mumbai on behalf of the Left and secular parties and organisations in Maharashtra, and Sitaram Yechury will be the chief guest at this meeting.

LDF Suggestions for Judicial Probe in Kerala Solar Scam

Left Democratic Front has given its  suggestions regarding the proposed judicial investigation into the solar scam to the Kerala government on August 23, 2013. In the absence of Home minister, T. Radhakrishnan, his secretary received the memo containing 32 suggestions.

LDF convener Vaikom Vishwan said that the first suggestion is to include Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the ambit of investigation as this demand is based on sufficient circumstantial evidence. He said the statements of Sridharan Nair, T. C. Mathew and M. K. Kuruvilla who were cheated by Team Solar company have also been cited. Some questions have also been raised e.g. whether any of the central ministers have been involved in the "Team Solar" company's deals, how the kickbacks were used and whether the money reached the higher spheres of government. If the Chief Minister rejects the demand for including his office in the domain of inquiry, the ongoing protest will be intensified, Vaikom Vishwan said.

In the meantime, High Court of Kerala granted bail to two accused persons, Chief Minister's close aide Tenny Joppen and T.V.actor Shalu Menon. The government has been keen to save Tenny Joppen, therefore the police never sought his custody for further interrogation and the Special Investigation Team never took him to the Chief Minister's office which was the epicentre of the solar scam.

On August 22, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy faced a huge protest in Tanur, district Malappuram. Hundreds of LDF workers showed black flags and raised slogans. The police brutally charged the workers many of whom were admitted to hospitals.

No Military Intervention in Syria

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

 

The United States and its allies are planning a military intervention in Syria against the Syrian government. For a long time, the US and NATO have been trying for a military intervention like in Libya to topple the Bashar al-Assad government. But they were thwarted because the UN Security Council did not approve such an action.

 

The current pretext for the military attack is the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government forces near Damascus. There has to be an independent investigation to substantiate this claim and if so who has used the neurotoxic agent. The US and the Western powers have no credibility in making this charge as they used a similar pretext of “weapons of mass destruction” to attack Iraq.

 

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly opposes the reported moves to launch a military attack on Syria which is to be discussed at a meeting of military chiefs of the US and its allies at Amman in Jordan. The Government of India should come out against any military intervention and advocate a political solution for the conflict in Syria.

Primary Review of West bengal Panchayat Polls in CPIM State Committee

CPI(M) West Bengal State Committee in its meeting on 22nd August while reviewing the results of the just concluded panchayat election, was of the view that wherever elections could be held combating the fear of arson, atrocity or  domination, maintaining intimate relationship with the masses, results for the Left Front has been favorable. The meeting held in Abdul Halim Hall in Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan was presided over by Politburo member Nirupam Sen. The meeting was attended by party’s general secretary Prakash Karat who called for continuing the struggle for maintaining democracy, combating the attacks of the Government. It also took a decision to launch movement on a regular basis on the necessary demands of the people. Party’s State Secretary while giving  his concluding speech spoke of the immediate organizational work and the programmes to be taken.

Prakash Karat spoke on the decisions taken in the just concluded Central Committee meeting. He said economic condition is deteriorating in a rapid and grave pace. Movement will be launched across the country on the issue of price rise, unemployment, food security, wage, land etc. Central gathering will be held in the state capitals on alternative policy. It shall start with the Chennai gathering. Emphasis shall be paid on country-wide campaign against communalism. In this context with other secular parties a central convention is being arranged in Delhi.

In a statement issued by the state committee on the just concluded Panchayat Election, it was pointed out that the Panchayat elections have been held amid wide spread violence in the rural areas. The Government turned it into an undemocratic process right from filing of nomination to withdrawal, campaign to election process and counting. People’s verdict has not been properly reflected. Even after this the ruling party is continuing with its path of violence, arson to capture the Boards. The Left Front and the party cadres have risked their lives and fought bravely to combat the attacks perpetrated throughout the election on them. Specially many new cadres who have joined as worker or supporter have faced the challenge very bravely. State Committee congratulates all these members, supporters, sympathizers and the democracy loving people.

It said in the release that review work is on but primarily it has been found that due to violence candidates could not be filed in 5206 Gram Panchayat, 782 Panchayat Samity and in 8 Zila Parishad seats. Even after filing of nomination in 2176 seats candidates have been compelled to withdraw. Barring one district, the ruling party totally captured 3834 booths and partially captured 2309 booths and has practiced rigging ruthlessly. At the time of counting leaving four district it has been found that in 1486 Gram Panchayat, 363 Panchayat Samity and 58 seats in Zila Parishad rigging have been practiced in the counting centres or results have been turned the opposite way and have been captured by the TMC. In spite of all these the percentage of votes captured by Left Front in 16 districts is 37.97%. TMC have got 43.03%. The Left Front got more than 40% votes in 4 districts, 37-40% votes in 6 districts.

The state committee also noted the rampant use of money power by the TMC in these elections. In the analysis of the results of the election, along with the political situation, the organizational weakness of the party, weakness in maintaining mass contact, weakness in running panchayats has also been pointed out. At every level of the party more detailed analysis of the results will be done

CPIM demands Convening of all-party meet on Andhra Pradesh State division

The CPI(M) has picked holes in Samaikyandhra agitation and asserted that the stir lacked political goal and objective. The party, in the same breath, however, asserted that it would favour united Andhra Pradesh even if the doubts and issues pertaining to Hyderabad, sharing of irrigation, power, and employment etc. were addressed. 

It also wanted the Government to convene an all-party meeting on the proposed division of the State. Party State Secretary B.V. Raghavulu inaugurated Nanduri Prasada Rao Sramik Bhavan at Puchalapalli Sundaraiah Library at Durgapuram, Vijayawada on Sunday. On the occasion, the CPI(M) leader said that as wolves enter a flock, cheats have entered the agitation. 

Be it politicians or associations like RTC Employees Union or PRTU, they favoured/fought for Telangana Statehood and changed their version now. The TDP, Congress and the YSR Congress leaders were hoodwinking the people with their double speak. Those parties favoured division of State. 

However, the leaders in coastal and Rayalaseema were making a hue and cry for united Andhra. The Samaikyandhra protagonists should mount pressure on their leadership to make a statement in favour of united Andhra, he said.

The spirit of federalism, democracy and secularism would be at stake if the linguistic States were divided. The division would not stop just with Telangana. There were 25 more such demands like Gorkhaland. “The communal forces like BJP and MIM will reinforce with division of State. The situation will turn turtle with a strong Centre and weak States”, he opined. Indira Gandhi was forced to conduct elections after imposing `Emergency’ just because of strong States then, he added.

Mr. Raghavulu said that the Antony Committee was a political committee and had no legal sanctity. AICC president Sonia Gandhi announced that an official committee would be constituted to note the concerns of united Andhra protagonists. There was nothing new to hear the concerns, as the Government was bound to constitute the committee if the State were to be divided. 

So, it was necessary to discuss the issue threadbare. The Centre should convene an all-party meeting. It might not address the issue in totality, but would expose the true colours of the TDP, Congress and the YSR Congress, he said.

Members of Legislative Council K. Lashman Rao and Boddu Nageswara Rao, CPI(M) district secretary R. Raghu, city secretary Ch. Babu Rao, CITU city president R. Ajay Kumar, general secretary Muzzafer Ahmed and others were present. 

(Source : The Hindu)

SFI's emphatic march of Victory in Rajastan

SFI General Secretary Ritabrata Banerjee and President Dr V Sivadasan has issued the following statement

Central Executive committee of the Students’ Federation of India congratulates its Rajasthan state unit for registering emphatic victory in the students’ union elections which were held in the state yesterday. Elections were held in nearly 150 colleges and 9 Universities of the state, out of which SFI contested in 85 colleges and 2 universities, spread across 12 districts of the state. SFI candidates have emerged victorious in 67 colleges and the 2 very important University centres of Jodhpur and Bikaner- a big leap forward from last year’s tally of 44 colleges and 1 university.

SFI improved its performance in the Jai Narayan Vyas University of Jodhpur, sweeping the entire panel this time. Mahendra Jakhad has been elected as President, Lakshmi as Vice President, and Pramila Meena as General Secretary and Madhusudan Gurjar as Joint secretary. 8449 votes were polled. SFI candidates defeated NSUI on all 4 posts, victory margins being 167,150,371 and 1275 respectively. Jodhpur is a politically important district and is also the constituency of chief minister Ashok Gehlot. The mandate of the University elections has left the ruling Congress party in jittery and orchestrated scenes of violence have been seen on the streets of Jodhpur, injuring 6 students by the time this statement was being prepared. SFI candidate Ajeet Singh Poonia won the President post in the Maharaja Ganga Singh University of Bikaner, defeating the ABVP candidate by the margin of 26 votes. This is for the first time SFI won in Bikaner University. In the Rajasthan University,Jaipur SFI supported candidate Rajesh Mandia finished third on the post of President with 1098 votes. SFI also won 3 Department representatives (DRs) in Rajasthan University.

In S.K. college of Sikar- biggest college of the state, with 13000 enrolled students- entire panel of SFI has emerged victorious. Navdeep Singh has been elected as President, Iliyas Ali as Vice-President, Mahendra Kadiya as General Secretary and Sharda Kumari Kalwaniya as Joint Secretary.

Apart from this, SFI has won 99% of seats in the colleges of Hanumangarh and Ganganagar districts. The old bases in Taranagar, Sardarshahar, Didwana, Jhunjhunu and Churu have been retained with students coming out in large numbers in support of the SFI panels. It has to be mentioned that SFI had lost in Taranagar and Jhunjhunu last year.

Certain points clearly emerge from these results. The dominance of the 2 main students’ organizations of the ruling class- NSUI and ABVP- has reduced drastically throughout the state. Out of the total 9 Universities in the State, ABVP has won 2, NSUI 1, SFI 2 and the remaining 4 have been won by the independents and local level organizations. This clearly reflects the urge for a credible non-NSUI and non-ABVP alternative, and given the fact that the assembly elections in the state are only few months away, this is going to leave its mark in the assembly elections also.

Further, the growing prestige and strength of SFI has to be seen in the light of the fact that it was the relentless struggle of SFI that lead to the revival of the students’ union elections in the state. After the ban on polls during the reign of Chief Minister Vasundhara Rajess Scindia, SFI was able to build the movement of restoration of campus democracy throughout the state. This forced Ashok Gehlot to keep it as one of his pre-poll promises, and after assuming office, he was forced to implement his promise with thousands of students gheraoing the assembly, while the left MLAs were arguing for it inside the assembly. In the last 4 years, performance of SFI has grown by leaps and bounds. Elected unions of SFI have been role model for any leftist student union, with continuous agitation demanding better infrastructure in the colleges, increase in seats and so on. The movement for increase in seats in the colleges- ‘Paas kiya hai toh pravesh do’- has proved to be the most important initiative by the organization, forcing administration to increase seats at many places. Along with the issues of the students, SFI has also been at the forefront of the struggles of the other sections as well- most glorious being the movement for electricity and water by the farmers. It is this continuous and relentless work that has given organization the prestige which it today enjoys in the state.

These elections also saw brazen attempts of caste mobilizations by the ruling class and this is going to be the biggest challenge for the organization in the coming days. We will have to carry forward the mandate of this victory by speeding up the process of building more and more bigger unity of the students. This is the only way ahead in the fight against such forces that seek to maintain and fan the caste tensions.

CEC is confident that the organization will gear itself for these new challenges and continue its forward march in the state. The 10th September ‘Dilli Chalo’ shall mark another stepping stone in this fight.