February 27, 2007

Press Statement

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

On Assembly Election Results

The Congress party which was running the state governments in Punjab and Uttarakhand has been defeated in the assembly elections in these two states. In Punjab, the Akali Dal-BJP alliance and in Uttarakhand, the BJP, have won the elections. Only in Manipur has  the Congress been able to maintain its position. The outcome of these elections should be correctly interpreted.

The loss in these states can be attributed to the policies and performance of the Congress state governments which have alienated  people. The policies pursued by these governments have not benefited the rural poor and the common people. In both states price-rise of essential commodities was a major issue. 

These electoral setbacks have a relevance for the UPA government at the Centre.  The Congress leadership and the UPA government should draw the proper lessons from this defeat. The policies pursued have failed to curb price-rise, tackle the agrarian crisis or provide relief to the people.

The situation calls for a change in direction of policies and adoption of pro-people measures. The Congress leadership and the UPA government should heed the message from this verdict.