P.B. Communique

Date: 
Friday, February 27, 2004

Press Communiqué

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on February 26, 2004. It has issued the following statement:

Lok Sabha Elections

The Polit Bureau reviewed the work done with regard to the Lok Sabha elections on the basis of the decisions taken at the Central Committee meeting in Hyderabad in January. The Polit Bureau approved the first list (attached herewith) of constituencies and the candidates of the Party in these elections. The second and final list will be issued a few days later.

The Polit Bureau discussed and approved the broad outline of the election manifesto to be issued by the Party in the elections. The manifesto will put forward the Party’s goal in these elections to: defeat the BJP and its allies; formation of a secular government and strengthening of the CPI(M) and the Left in parliament.

February 24 Strike

The Polit Bureau congratulated the millions of workers and employees who joined the one-day general strike held on February 24. the wide participation of workers and employees cutting across trade union affiliations shows the deep concern of the working people on the Supreme Court’s judgement denying the right to strike to government employees and other sections. The Polit Bureau demands that the Central Government take note of the widespread anger among the working people at this attack on their rights. It should immediately take steps to protect the right to strike which is an intrinsic part of the democratic rights of all citizens of the country.

Iraq: Observe Anti-War Day

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) extends full support to the call given internationally for the observance of March 20, the day the United States launched its military aggression against Iraq last year. On this day, all over the world protests will be organised to demand the end of the illegal occupation of Iraq by the United States and its allies. The Polit Bureau calls upon all its Party units to mark this day with big protest marches alongwith other anti-imperialist and democratic forces to demand an immediate end to the US occupation of Iraq and the restoration of Iraq’s sovereignty to be exercised by its people.