In this Issue
15th Lok Sabha Elections and Beyond
In vain were the galaxy of film stars and other celebrities pressed into service for encouraging citizens to pay ballot tributes to the great Indian democracy. The third phase of polling -- which the Election Commission described as“extremely satisfactory" -- saw a voter turnout of just about 50%, down from 55 per cent in phase II and 60% in phase I. The EC blamed it on "heat conditions", but the argument does not sound convincing. West Bengal for example is witnessing an almost unprecedented heat wave this year, but polling has been relatively better at 64%. Behind this lies a combination of two factors: the people's eagerness to teach the CPI(M) another lesson after the punishment meted out in last year's panchayat polls and the ruling party's desperate attempt to minimise the inevitable decline in its MP tally.
However, the general picture in the country as a whole (a degree of regional variations notwithstanding) is that today the major national and regional parties do not find themselves in a position to mobilise the dominant social groups and powerbrokers to 'manage' the polling the way they have done in the past. Here lies the most important political reason behind the very low voter turnout in the 15th Lok Sabha elections. The mainstream parties' track records while in office have been extremely poor and they have no credible future plans for redressing the economic and other woes of the masses. As for the different alliances they belong to, these are either shattered by centrifugal forces or remain too amorphous to carry conviction with the voters. In a word, politically they are very much on the defensive.
On the other side of the same coin we see, most notably in large parts of the Hindi heartland, a correspondingly higher assertion of popular forces in the election process. Hopefully, this may also get translated into the emergence of a revolutionary opposition in Parliament -- a genuine people's opposition to consistently fight for the downtrodden. Even otherwise, the gains made by the revolutionary Left during the campaign will not be lost. The militant activism of the people unleashed during the campaign has already opened up broader avenues for further development of mass movements after the elections and for us this is the main thing, the permanent core agenda of left politics.
In sharp contrast to our perception and priorities, the national leadership of CPI(M) is zealously pursuing "politics as the art of the possible" in the meanest and most vulgar sense of the phrase. A very prominent Politburo member of the party was recently in Patna openly inviting the RJD, the JD (U) and the LJP -- the very forces against which his party is currently locked in a pitched battle in alliance with the CPI (ML) and CPI -- to help form a "secular government" at the centre. Even as resentment against this act of sabotaging the fledgling left unity in Bihar ran high in Left circles in the State, the senior leader reiterated his party's position in subsequent interviews/press meets in Delhi and Kolkata. He had personally met Sharad and Nitish to advance the cause of this alliance, he added. (Curiously enough, Rahul Gandhi also has since called upon Nitish, Jaylalita and Chandrababu -- the main opponents of the Congress in the States concerned -- to help form a Congress-led government.) In Kolkata he also reaffirmed the Biman Basu- Budhhadev Bhattacharya line that on the question of supporting a Congress-led government the party will take a decision only after the election results are out. Clearly, this contradicts in no uncertain terms Parkash Karat's previous statement that his party would rather sit in the opposition than support the Congress.
The political implication of all these overtures is clear. The leading party of the Left Front/Third Front as well as the leader of the UPA are both keeping all doors and windows open and bracing for a nasty post-poll game of numbers where anything can happen and everything can be justified in the holy cause of cobbling up a so-called secular government. Naturally the BJP too will be playing all its cards. For a time the pragmatic power politics of the ruling elite will thus dominate the Indian scene. But there is yet another kind, a very different kind of politics -- the turbulent politics of the masses on the move demanding urgent solutions to the economic crisis they have been thrown into and the plethora of other unresolved problems. Sooner rather than later this kind of politics will come to predominate, the more so because none of the existing political formations will get a clear mandate to rule and instability will be haunting the assembled government of assorted opportunists from the very start. To redouble our efforts to lead this people's politics of resistance remains the absolute priority and responsibility of all genuine left forces in the country.
Indian Government Must Stop Intervention in Nepal
The fledgling republic of Nepal seems to be standing on the verge of a new phase of civil war. Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Rookmangud Katawal had been asked by the civilian government to explain why he had continued military recruitment despite the government's halt order and reinstated eight brigadier-generals who had been retired by the defence ministry. Backed by its foreign patrons and right-wing parties in the country, the military high command openly defied the authority of the elected government. The government responded by removing General Katawal, who refused to accept this and the government’s decision was then illegally overturned by President Ram Baran Yadav of Nepalese Congress. With their coalition partners in government refusing to support the UCPN(M), Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) announced that he had no choice but to resign.
Both New Delhi and Washington had been mounting a strong pressure on the sovereign Nepali government not to remove their trusted CoAS who was doggedly resisting the integration of the PLA with the national army as agreed in the peace accord. Senior Maoist leader and Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai was perfectly right in his sarcastic comment that "The so-called democratic forces specially headed by the so-called democrats in New Delhi have been dictating their patrons in Kathmandu to side with the army and fight against the democratic forces". We denounce in strongest possible terms the brazen foreign intervention and demand that it must be stopped immediately and for good.
We believe the abolition of the monarchy requires not just the removal of the King but a thorough restructuring of all organs of the state including the army, judiciary and bureaucracy. In this context we consider it very unfortunate that the UCPN (M) and CPN (UML) could not arrive at an understanding on sacking the most powerful remnant of the monarchial order. Only a firm political unity of the main left forces on such matters could provide a solid core around which the required consensus in the coalition government could be built up. As things stand now, the fragile consensus has broken down and the apparent process of a peaceful transition to People's Power has proved deceptive. From a Marxist viewpoint this was not unexpected and we are confident that, led by the communists of Nepal, the brave people will once again rise to the occasion and overcome all obstacles to carry the democratic revolution through to the end.
Meanwhile, progressive and Left organisations around the world have condemned the Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav’s actions and foreign intervention while noting that the Nepalese Army is infamous for its human rights abuses, including murder, torture and rape and has a history of coups against civilian governments. The top ranks of the army recently admitted to planning a fresh coup against the current elected government! These organisations have demanded upholding of the peace accord and democracy for which the majority of the Nepalese people and poor people in particular had voted for the CPN(M).
The Democratic Socialist Perspective (from Australia) has said in a statement posted on its website (www.dsp.org.au) –“The removal of the Maoists from government is nothing less than a coup. It reveals the real situation in Nepal — that despite its democratic mandate for change, the Maoist-led government is being prevented by the old elite from implementing such change.” It further stated that the “…military high command, backed by right-wing parties tied to the country’s elite, has openly defied the authority of the elected civilian government, led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M)” and “the UCPN-M’s proposals for a peaceful and democratic pro-poor transformation of Nepal that were endorsed at the ballot box have been frustrated by opposition within the parliament, the state and even the coalition government.” There is nothing more terrifying to the ruling classes globally than the sight of a people winning power. The right-wing forces in Nepal are counting on the support of foreign powers, especially the United States and the right-wing forces in India.
The Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas (PNEFA) has urged the Supreme Court to nullify the President Yadav’s unconstitutional action and restore civilian supremacy.
May Day in India
Tamil Nadu: Amidst election preparations, May Day Rallies were held in Chennai and Tirunelveli. In Chennai More than 500 workers participated in the rally led by Com. G. Radhakrishnan, State Vice President of All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU). Com.S.Kumarasami, PBM, who addressed the gathering called upon the workers to rise as the real opposition as any formation - in the current scenario - at the Centre after elections would only be anti-people and anti-workers. Comrades S.Sekar, K.Palanivel, S.Eraniappan, State Secretaries of AICCTU addressed the gathering. Com. Bharathi, Sriperumbudur candidate of the Party claimed that no party other than CPI(ML) in the country can mobilize people for their election meetings without giving them money and those assembled here are the real forces who will change the course of anti-people, anti-worker policies in the country. He called upon the workers to take pledge on May Day to throw away the opportunist UPA and NDA combines and the so-called third front in TN and vote for change, vote for CPI(ML).
In Tirunelveli, a rally of over 200 workers was held in the Town area. Com T.Sankarapandian, SCM and Tirunelveli candidate of the Party addressed the gathering. Com.N.K.Natarajan, State General Secretary, AICCTU also attended the rally and the public meeting.
In Perianaickenpalayam, Pricol workers hoisted AICCTU flags at 6 places around Pricol. In Coimbatore, at another 6 places flags were hoisted. Other than this all over the state, at over 35 places workers participated enthusiastically in May Day flag hoisting programs in Trichy, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallore, Villupuram, Mayiladudurai, Tanjore, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Dindugal, Pudukottai districts and vowed to teach a lesson to ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK in the forth coming elections.
CPI(ML) Candidate in Delhi Leads May Day Procession
Delhi unit of CPI(ML) observed May Day with an early morning Procession in the Bhorgarh Industrial Area. As workers made their way to work, they stopped to see the Procession and hear the issues raised by the slogans. The Procession, led by the CPI(ML) candidate from North-West Delhi, trade union leader and himself a migrant worker Comrade Mathura Paswan, raised slogans against the blatant violation of labour laws all over Delhi, and the anti-worker policies being adopted by Governments led by Congress-UPA as well as BJP-NDA alike. Processionists waved flags with the CPI(ML) symbol of a "flag with three stars" and raised slogans in memory of the martyred worker-leaders in honour of whom May Day is observed every year. Workers responded enthusiastically to the Procession, participating spontaneously in the mass meeting at the culmination of the Procession. Comrade Mathura Paswan asked the workers to teach these anti-worker parties a lesson and ensure that their vote went to the only party of the workers – the CPI(ML).
The mass meeting was also addressed by AICCTU leaders Comrade Surendra Panchal, Building-workers' union leaders Comrade V K S Gautam and Comrade Tiwary, CPI(ML) Delhi State Secretary Comrade Sanjay Sharma and All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) leader Comrade Kavita Krishnan. At the mass meeting, Comrade Surendra Panchal presented CPI(ML)'s manifesto of struggle.
Convention of the Unorganised & Contract Workers in Pune
A Convention of the Unorganised Workers and Contract Workers organised by the Maharashtra Rajya Sarvashramik Mahasangh held in Pune on 25th April, 2009 at the Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch was a Grand Success. Over 3,000 workers from unorganised Sector attended the Convention. They came from as far away as Vidarbha, Khandesh, Marathwada, Mumbai, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur and Konkan apart from the City and Suburbs and the District of Pune itself. Retired justice of the Supreme Court Justice Shri.P.B.Sawant inaugurated the Convention.
In his remarks, Justice Shri Sawant said that it is the working people, who create wealth but it is usurped by the rich, leaving the millions of toiling people without even basic wherewithal of life like a shelter, food, water, health, through gainful employment. He observed that this has happened because instead of the Secular, Socialist, Democratic republic promised in the Constitution on which they take oath of Office, the rules of this Party or that, this front or that have established an order for the interests of capitalist, big traders, rich farmers, builders and the like of who have amassed unimaginable private wealth. He also in this respect referred to the wealth secretly kept in Swiss Banks and other tax havens, when the millions are going without the basic necessities of life. He advised the assembled workers that while fighting for their immediate demands, also work hard to build a truly socialist economic social order in the Country in which the working people would be masters of their own destiny, as envisioned by those who gave their all for freedom of this Country. Com. Medha Thatte then gave a brief speech, outlining the objectives of the Convention. She said we are opposed to the false debate about the Organised Sector workers being responsible for the fate of the unorganised. She asserted that it is the organised and unorganised workers, who have organised this Convention. It is the pro-rich policies of the Government that has created the totally adverse situation of the unorganised. Just as today's organised workers were once unorganised and got organised through a long process of struggle, the unorganised have now been trying to get organised. The organised workers have also been helping the unorganised to get organised, as their brothers and sisters. In this Convention, we are demanding that what the Dr. Sengupta Commission recommended as also what the standing Committee of Parliament recommended must be given unreservedly to the unorganised workers by setting aside at least 6% of GDP and through a proper and reliable delivery system. Organised Workers would fully support this demand and also help the unorganised workers through promoting full time activists from amongst them and in every other way. Many donations have already been given to us to start this process on a long term basis. This Convention is a new starting point for this effort.
Com. R.N.Thakur, Leader of the Landless Labourers and Construction Workers from Patna, Bihar, then narrated the horrible conditions of the Dalit workers in Bihar. He told how a young Dalit Boy who came to work, wearing chappals was severly beaten for wearing them in the presence of the upper caste owners. He also narrated how the young men from dominant communities would invade the slums of the Dalit Workers and take away young girls and rape them at will. He said those conditions have been changed after years of relentless struggles, in which he was jailed for seven years. But today nobody dares to treat the Dalit like that any more. He also narrated the four points he scored in the Indian Labour Conference recently held in Delhi, such as prohibiting contract workers being used against permanent vacancies etc. His presentation evoked tremendous response from the workers and audience who repeatedly clapped during his speech.
Ban Corporations
Responsible for Spreading Swine Flu
Evidence is emerging that traces swine flu to giant factory pig farms that are dirty, dangerous, and inhumane. It is becoming clear that it is most likely a giant pig factory farm run by an American multinational corporation in Veracruz, Mexico from where the virus spread. These factory farms are disgusting and dangerous, and they're rapidly multiplying. Thousands of pigs are brutally crammed into dirty warehouses and sprayed with a cocktail of drugs -- posing a health risk to in many ways -- they and their manure lagoons create the perfect conditions to breed dangerous new viruses like swine flu. Citizens from around the world are calling upon the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to investigate and develop regulations for these farms to protect global health.
Unions Lead May Day Protests
Proletarians Stage Militant Marches across the World
France’s eight labor unions joined for the first time for May Day demonstrations across the country to protest government measures on the economic crisis as insufficient and corporate leaders as out of touch. “Labor is changing; for the first time in perhaps decades, we are in agreement at the core,” said Francois Chereque, secretary general of France’s biggest union, Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail, in an RTL radio interview- “There is a strong unity among the unions.” Labor unrest is on the rise in France, as seen with “bossnappings,” where workers hold company executives hostage to force negotiations on job cuts and plant closings, and demonstrations. In Paris, of the 65,000 protesters, about 8,500 were foreigners, many focused on the Sri Lankan civil war. Unemployment rose 22 percent from March 2008 in the worst recession in the Euro region’s second-largest economy since World War II.
Protesters clashed with riot police in Turkey, Greece and Germany on May Day over growing anger in Europe over unemployment and handling of global economic crisis. Turkey's May Day demonstrations were marred by violence for the third year running as police battled to stop protesters reaching Istanbul's landmark Taksim Square.
In Greece, police clashed with anarchist demonstrators, firing teargas on protesters at Athens Polytechnic.
In Berlin and Hamburg, scattered violence erupted in the early hours of the May Day holiday. More than 50 people were detained in Berlin after demonstrators chanting anti-capitalism slogans threw bottles and stones at riot police and torched five cars, 48 police were injured.
Call for communism : Thousands of protesters in Moscow called for a return of communism, waving banners and red Soviet flags.
Leaders of Italy's main unions held a rally in the earthquake-hit town of L'Aquila, in a show of solidarity.
May Day demonstrations across South Korea targeted plans to sell off Daewoo Motors to foreign investors. Daewoo workers have staged a series of strikes since April 6 to protest the sell-off. On April 29, tens of thousands of workers marched through Seoul, Pusan, Kwangju, and five other cities to prepare for May Day demonstrations. The rallies were organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. Slogans like "Don't sell Daewoo to foreigners" and "Release arrested workers" covered banners and placards. Strike leaders at Daewoo had been arrested earlier in the week for their union activities.
On May Day itself, student supporters of the workers took center stage. Thousands faced off against riot police in Seoul in what the big-business media called the "most violent demonstration by student activists since President Kim Dae-Jung took office in early 1998." At least 130 students were arrested as the cops prevented the students from joining the workers' demonstrations.
May Day processions, confrontations with the riot police and massive demonstrations also took place in almost all countries of the world including Britain, Germany, Spain, Ecuador, Phillipines, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Brazil among many countries.
5 May 2009 : As we observe 126th Death Anniversary of Karl Marx, the ever inspirational and the ever refreshing leader of the working class, the general people around the world are encouraged to see currently a militant wave of proletarian marches, protests and awakening who are demanding an end to rule by cpitalists and corporations. In this presentation we give a very brief report of such events taking place on a global scale
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