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>ML Update Vol.3 Number 5
>
>Fascist Forces Must Not Be
>Allowed to Rewrite the Constitution
>
>Not quite unpredictably though, the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of
>India's Constitution became an occasion for a renewed debate over its
>future. The issue of a review and revision of the Constitution had figured
>quite prominently in the NDA's agenda of governance and was also mentioned
>in the President's latest address to the joint session of Parliament. While
>in his addresses to Parliament the President has little option other than
>reading out whatever text is handed over to him by the government, in his
>recent Republic Day address, the President, however, took liberty to sound
>a veritable warning against any tinkering with the basic structure of the
>Constitution. He in fact dismissed the very idea of a constitutional review
>by calling for a national introspection over whether we have failed the
>Constitution or the latter has failed us.
>
>Unruffled by the President's public rebuke, spokesmen of the government
>have been quick to justify the idea. This is one issue where it will be
>futile to look for any possible rift between Vajpayee and Advani. The
>latter has immediately rushed to the defence of the government comparing a
>wholesale review of the Constitution to something as routine as a periodic
>health check-up! Instead of patchwork amendments, the time has come,
>according to him, for an integrated review and full-scale revision of the
>half-a-century-old document. And the Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani
>convened a press conference to clarify the 'fictitious' differences on the
>subject between the President and the cabinet and went ahead to announce
>that a review panel would be formed within a week or ten days.
>
>What has prompted the Vajpayee government to rush with the constitution
>review proposal now? Some NDA-watchers see it as a tactical ploy to divert
>public attention away from the growing real differences within the BJP, not
>to mention the unseemly quarrels surfacing among NDA partners on the eve of
>the forthcoming Assembly polls in Bihar, Orissa and Haryana. It could
>perhaps also be described as an urge to cash in on the symbolism of the
>fiftieth anniversary. Some opponents of the review proposal also draw
>solace from the argument that the NDA still does not have the requisite
>numbers to push through a constitutional amendment.
>
>All such considerations however must not be allowed to distract or even
>diminish our attention on the real issue. The Sangh Parivar needs a fascist
>state to realise its vision of a Hindu India and a systematic campaign has
>already been unleashed to carry out necessary subversion work on the
>diverse fronts of the state and civil society. The Parivar is least
>bothered about the length of the incubation period for this project. After
>all, the RSS is older than India's Constitution and parliamentary
>democracy. What is important for the RSS is the setting of the agenda and
>from a promise in the manifesto to the proposed formation of a review
>panel, the idea of a fascist subversion of the Constitution has already
>come a long way. Let there be no mistake about it - when Advani moots a
>review of the Constitution it can only be with a view to purging it of all
>its democratic aspects (fundamental rights, civil liberties, and special
>provisions for minority communities, deprived sections and backward
>regions). Advani advocates a constitution to codify what he calls an
>effective state (a euphemism for a hard state, as Advani himself admitted,
>lest the latter is construed to connote something undemocratic!) -- a
>modern-day Manusamhita to suit the fascist designs of the Sangh Parivar in
>the 21st Century! We must nip this ugly vision in the bud.
>
>Party Condemn's UP Chief Minister for Showing Green Flag to Communal Elements
>
>CPI(ML) severely condemned the UP Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta's
>malicious statement provoking VHP and other communal outfits to go ahead
>with construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. "Mr. Gupta, a communal fascist
>to the core, is also asserting in the same vein that 'demolition of Babri
>Mosque was accomplished peacefully', which implies that he is in fact
>asking VHP, Bajrang Dal and other communal outfits to go ahead and forcibly
>construct the temple at the disputed site, as they did while demolishing
>the Mosque there". The Party recalled that the demolition of Babri Mosque,
>one of the most barbaric acts in our country's history and a shame to the
>nation, was not only violent but violative of the constitutional assurance
>on the part of the UP Government, for which Kalyan Singh's government had
>to be sacked. "Now Ram Prakash Gupta just wants to repeat the show in order
>to fit in Kalyan's shoes, but the people of UP and the country as a whole
>will not remain silent spectators this time to such dastardly destructive
>acts" the CPI(ML) said.
>
>The Party also said that "at a time when the BJP-led government at the
>centre is setting up a Constitution review panel with a view to replacing
>the parliamentary system with presidential system in the name of the need
>for stability, the Chief Minister of BJP Government in Uttar Pradesh is
>openly decrying the spirit of the Constitution by provoking communal
>elements to take law in their hands and tear the secular fabric of the
>country to shreds".
>
>
>
>Peasant Movement in Nadia District
>
>A notorious landlord in Nakashipara block of Nadia district in West Bengal
>had grabbed 6 bighas of land from a poor peasant some years back. Failing
>to bring back the land by his own effort, the poor peasant came to our
>Party. After investigation, the Party Committee decided to organise a
>movement so that the land can be brought back under possession of the
>peasant. As a step in this direction some 80 peasants mobilised under the
>leadership of Party seized the crop on that land plot. It has created a lot
>of enthusiasm among the peasant in the locality.
>
>In Dhubulia block of Nadia district, about 100 peasants under the Party
>leadership seized fifteen bighas of vested land that had been under illegal
>possession of a landlord. Mobilising anti-socials and with the help of RSP
>cadres the landlord launched attacks but it was resisted by the peasants.
>The land was distributed among poor peasants and a demonstration was
>organised before BL&LRO office demanding patta tor the said land. To fish
>in troubled waters local CPM leaders tried to redistribute the lands among
>their cadres. This was effectively resisted by the peasants.
>
>Struggle against Trinamool Terror
>
>After winning the parliamentary seat of Nabadwip in Nadia district, TMC has
>unleashed a reign of terror in Ranaghat area. In Khisma pocket (anchal),
>TMC cadres illegally constructed a building within the premises of our
>Party office. With the support of local people our Party comrades
>demolished the illegal construction. Enraged TMC connived with police and
>launched a series of attacks on the houses of our comrades, injuring
>several and three of them had been hospitalised with severe injury. Instead
>of nabbing the TMC goons police sided with them and arrested our own
>comrades who had been hospitalised. Party organised a massive mobilisation
>and held a big mass meeting protesting against the TMC-police nexus. Even
>some local CPM leaders and cadres participated in the meeting because CPM
>has always remained silent on the question of countering TMC offensive. In
>the mass meeting our leaders gave a call for unity of all left activists to
>counter TMC attacks.
>
>Transport Workers
>Win The Battle
>
>In the district of Jalpaiguri, motor transport workers under the leadership
>of AICCTU initiated a movement on their long-standing demand for increase
>in wages. The owners' association withdrew their vehicles from roads in
>order to put down the movement and tried to foment public grievances
>against the workers. To foil this conspiracy and win back public support
>the workers' union issued leaflets and propagated widely among public about
>the genuineness of their demands as well as the conspiracy of the owners.
>With this they could mobilise public support in favour of workers movement.
>Ultimately the owners had to surrender and concede workers' demands.
>
>Cinema Hall Workers Against Retrenchment
>
>In Calcutta, the management of Talkie Show House, a cinema hall, illegally
>terminated the service of 14 permanent employees because the workers were
>opposing the illegal activities of the management regarding PF, Gratuity
>and Bonus. Against the termination, Employees Union affiliated to AICCTU
>started a movement demanding re-instatement of the retrenched workers.
>Intellectuals of the city also came in solidarity with the struggling
>workers. Militant procession and demonstration was organised before the
>cinema hall. Union leaders have urged the State Govt. for immediate
>intervention. Workers have now decided to go for hunger strike with their
>family members if their demands are not met.
>
>Attack On Workers' TU Rights Resisted
>
>Management of Mongenes, a cake producing factory, has been trying their
>best to break the only existing union, affiliated to AICCTU there. Failing
>to do so the management suspended the secretary and another executive
>member of the union on false charges. They even violated labour laws by
>refusing subsistence allowances to the suspended workers. Union organised a
>militant sit-in-demonstration before factory gate demanding withdrawal of
>suspension. As a consequence the management had to retreat partially and
>pay the subsistence allowances. Movement of the workers continues till
>suspension is withdrawn.
>
>In Solidarity with strikes
>
>Expressing solidarity with all India Port and Dock strike and UP
>Electricity Board employees' strike, AICCTU in Calcutta organised two mass
>meetings on 21st January in two different areas. One was held before U.P.
>Tourism Bhawan and a memorandum was handed over to the Assistant
>Commissioner of Tourism there.
>
>Most of the unions of West Bengal State Electricity Board called for a
>strike on 24th January in support of the State Electricity Board employees.
>State Committee of CPI(ML) called upon to all district organisations to
>organise solidarity action on the same day.
>
>Garib Jagran Rallies in Ranchi
>
>Thousands of local people participated in Garib Jagaran rallies organised
>in Patrahatu village of Silli legislative assembly constituency on 28
>January and in Bundu of Tamar constituency on 29 January. Com. Shubhendu
>Sen, Secretary of Party's Jharkhand RC and Com. Anant Prasad Gupta, Ranchi
>District Party Secy, Com. Santosh Munda, Kauleshwar Munda and Sankeshwar
>Mahto addressed the two rallies. They asserted that the awakening of the
>poor in Bihar as well as Jharkhand will teach both BJP and RJD a lesson.
>
>Students Protest Attack On Union Rights
>
>AISA and other students groups in Allahabad University showed black flag to
>Governor of UP and Union HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi on 13 January on
>their visit to Allahabad to attend the convocation ceremony. Students were
>protesting against the Government Order limiting the age of participation
>in student union elections to 25 years and putting other conditions on
>candidature. Police conducted merciless lathicharge injuring a number of
>students.
>
>
>March in Allahabad
>
>Khadan Mazdoor Union, Shankargarh staged a march on 30 January in Allahabad
>protesting against the Government Order to auction the silica-rich mining
>area which is the only source of livelihood to some 20,000 workers in
>Shankargarh block, Bara subdivision in Allahabad district. A meeting
>followed the march but Rapid Action Force forced the meeting to stop midway
>on the plea that there was no permission. Notably, a good number of
>literary personalities and journalists of Allahabad had also joined the
>march. On 31 January the Union staged a demonstration and went on hunger
>strike in front of the Collectorate in Allahabad. It was participated by
>some 200 workers led by Comrades KK Pandey and Radheshyam Yadav. The Party
>has also filed a Public Interest Litigation against the auction order.
>
>Seminar Opposing Saffronisation and Privatisation of Higher Eduction
>
>A seminar on "The State of Higher Education and Policy Imperatives for Its
>Balanced Growth" was organised by Udaipur University. Academicians from 7
>states attended the seminar. Privatisation and saffronisation of education
>was attacked by most of the speakers. Prof M.C. Mehta, a renowned economist
>from Jodhpur University, Senior Journalist Ved Vyas, Dr. Pradeep Bhargav
>from Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur were among the main speakers.
>Addressing one of the sessions Com. Pranay Krishna cited comparative data
>of investment on higher education in advanced countries as well as newly
>industrialised countries and criticised the cut down on higher eduction by
>the Central Government. He also attacked the policy of cultural nationalism
>that is being implemented mostly in the sphere of education taking it as
>the testing ground. Younger generation of teachers in Rajasthan was most
>vociferous in opposing saffronisation of education.
>
>Later, an informal meeting of like minded intellectuals was held to discuss
>the course of movement and agitation to save higher education from
>saffronisation and privatisation.
>
>
>
>Reopening of Dunlop
>
>Dunlop factory at Chennai was locked out on 9 Feb. '98. The Calcutta unit
>of Dunlop was also closed. The management headed by Mr. Chabria was
>interested in looting the properties of Dunlop. Led by Com. S. Kumarasamy,
>President of AICCTU Tamilnadu unit and also the President of the Chennai
>Dunlop workers union, Dunlop employees conducted continuous struggles
>against the management as well as against State and Central Governments
>demanding their intervention. Chennai unit of CPI(ML) also stood by the
>struggles. Negotiations at various level and legal battles were pending
>before various forums. Com. Kumarasmay had to coordinate all the TUs
>concerned and had an unofficial leadership in negotiations.
>
>On 6 Jan. 2000, talks took place in Calcutta where the management declared
>its intention to reopen the factories. Reopening will take place on 7 Feb.
>2000. There will be no change in the service condition and no ban on
>raising further demands. The unions will continue to fight the pending
>cases in the appropriate forums.
>
>Beedi Workers' Struggle
>
>In Thirunelvelli, Tamilnadu our TC centre is fighting against the brutal
>exploitation of beedi workers. Syad Beedi company is making compulsory
>deduction (Rs 3.00) in daily wages as deposit to their own finance
>company. The labour department and other Govt. agencies are colluding with
>the management in this regard. AICCTU has launched a movement against this.
>Meanwhile the management has decided to deduct Rs 6.00. This was strongly
>opposed and a struggle started. Then the management closed the beedi depot
>and decided to shift. Against this the workers have resorted to strike.
>Moreover, a road roko action has been planned.
>
>Police Encounter-
>Naidu Style
>
>At Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, Com. Ravindran of PWG was shot dead by police
>at point blank range. He had been captured three days back by the police
>and was tortured all along. Finally, learning the art from their Andhra
>Pradesh counterparts, the DMK Govt. decided to apply Naidu formula and shot
>him in cold blood and declared that he was killed in encounter. It was
>challenged in the court and after a prolonged court battle a second
>postmortem was performed. Last rites of the fallen comrade were performed
>in Chennai where people belonging to various CR Groups participated in the
>funeral procession and the meeting. Com. Mathivanan, State Committee member
>and Com. Radha Krishnan of Chennai City committee participated in the
>procession and Com. Mathivanan addressed the gathering on behalf of our party.
>
>CPI(ML) Investigation Team Visits Azamgarh
>
>Party's UP State Committee sent a 3-member Investigation Team comprising
>Comrades Ambarish Rai and Sriram Chadhury of UP State Committee and Com.
>Sunil Yadav, General Secretary of AISA, to Azamgarh on 30 January. The Team
>found that the communal violence in the city on 27 January was a result of
>planned conspiracy hatched by the BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and RSS.
>Criticising Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta's statements on construction
>of Ram Mandir as well as bringing of the anti-minority bill on construction
>of religious places as the source of the communal violence in Azamgarh, UP
>State Party Secretary Akhilendra Pratap Singh blamed the BJP govt. for
>sheltering the rioters. District administration is working under BJP
>pressure. During the curfew, which is particularly strict in predominantly
>Muslim areas, women in particular are being tormented. But rioters, even
>the named ones, are roaming freely. The investigation team demanded that
>the curfew should be lifted and peace committees be formed.
>
>It may be noted here that BJP has suffered a decline in eastern UP
>manifested in the last ('99) Lok Sabha poll, a fact that has made them
>desperate. Sangh Parivar in UP has consciously instigated this violence by
>planning to hoist a saffron flag atop the Shibli Academy. This is also to
>divert attention of the students who are protesting against the recent BJP
>Govt. step curtailing the autonomy of campuses.
>
>
>LPP Supports UP Electricity Workers' Struggle
>
>Supporting 100,000 UP State Electricity Board employees' strike against the
>Board's trifurcation and privatisation, Labour Party of Pakistan issued a
>press statement in Lahore. This show of international solidarity towards
>fighting workers is quite significant because, as LPP itself observed, "the
>press conference is being held at a time when Pakistani and Indian ruling
>classes are once again engaged in border clashes". Several national trade
>union leaders were also present at the press conference.
>
>'Sabad' Opened
>
>Sabad, a Book-shop of progresssive, Marxist and standard literature, was
>inaugurated in Allahabad on 2 Jan. 2000 by noted story writer Markandeya.
>Almost all noted literary personages of Allahabad including Ramji Rai,
>Neelabh, Mamata, Ravindra Kalia, Bodhisatwa attended the ceremony in which
>a poetry collection of Harishchandra Pandey was released. A seminar was
>also held on tradition of progressive literature movement in Allababad.
>
>Saffron Finds Fire in Water
>
>Saffron bullies are once again up against noted filmmaker Dipa Mehta. On 30
>January, Sangh Parivar's ruffians ransacked the film set created at Tulsi
>Ghat at the bank of Ganga in Varanasi and then broke open a house in
>another shooting site, putting all the material there on fire. Sangh
>Parivar alleged that Dipa's film would put Varanasi culture in bad light.
>These self-proclaimed "protectors" of Indian culture cannot withstand a
>portrayal of democratic assertion by the deprived sections of traditional
>feudal society. The film story revolves around the struggle by a widow in
>1930s in Varanasi for her own and the country's emancipation. Though the
>script has already been passed by the Union I&B ministry, UP Govt. took
>this opportunity to disallow shooting of the film.
>
>Protesting against Sangh's vandalism, around 100 progressive literary and
>cultural activists including Kashinath Singh, Gyanendra Pati, Chauthiram
>Yadav etc. participated in a meeting on 31 Jan. at Acharya Ramchandra
>Shukla Shodh Sansthan in Varanasi. The meet was organised by CRAFT, a local
>cultural organisation associated with Jan Sanskriti Manch. Participants
>voiced their feelings on "Fascist Threats to Artistic Expression" and
>signed a joint statement condemning the fascist attack and Govt.
>disallowing the shooting. It decided to take out a cultural protest march
>on 3 February.
>
>World Economic Forum Meet in Davos
>
>Nearly two months ago the World Trade Organisation meet held at Seattle had
>witnessed a large-scale protest by NGOs as well as workers. Now the World
>Economic Forum meet being held at Davos in Switzerland had to face a
>similar kind of protest, although on a smaller scale. Demonstrators
>numbering 500 were kept away from the hall where the meeting was being
>addressed by Clinton, but they picked up scuffle with the police and
>injured several policemen. Like Seattle, here too Clinton utilised the
>opportunity to elaborate his gospel of globalisation in terms of open
>markets and rule-based trade, which he claimed will also reduce
>environmental destruction. However, while indirectly bringing to the fore
>the questions of environment and labour standards, he showed keenness to
>"incorporate" poor countries also in world trade to keep protectionism at bay.
>
>It was for the first time that non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which
>have so long expressed concern about the effects of globalisation on the
>developing world, were incorporated in the high profile meet. However,
>Prime Minister Atal Bihari did not find the meet significant enough to
>attend leaving his party responsibilities in Bihar elections.
>
>
>
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