26 May 2007

Press Statement

 The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on May 25 and 26, 2007.  It has issued the following statement:

 On Presidential Elections

 The Polit Bureau discussed the prospects for the forthcoming presidential elections. It reiterated the stand taken by the Left parties that  the  person occupying the post of President must have a political background and firm secular credential.  The future President must be able to exercise judgement to maintain the balance between the Parliament, executive and the judiciary.  The Polit Bureau decided to explore all options to select the most suitable candidate in consultation with the UPA and other parties.

 Price Rise and PDS

 The utter failure of the government to control prices, contrary to its claims of anti-inflationary measures is a matter of deep concern.  The year on year, inflation rate for non-manual urban employees between April 2006-2007 was as high as 7.7 per cent.  Even more revealing, the food and beverages index shows a whopping 10.5 per cent increase over last year.  There would be a similar rise for other consumer price index for rural and industrial workers.  The unacceptable huge burden due to price rise of essential commodities on the working classes and employees makes a mockery of the assurances of food security in the Common Minimum Programme.  The Finance Minister has, in fact, argued in a most callous manner that “some inflation is a price for growth”, thus justifying the present pattern of exclusive-for corporates growth pattern. 

 The CPI(M) warns the government and UPA that this understanding, an echo of the NDA `Shining India’ argument, will cost the government dearly.  The CPI(M) suggests the following steps should be taken on a priority basis:  (1) Ban futures trading in  all essential commodities as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee (2) Since there is no check on  inter-state movement of wheat, the Centre must set central stock limits for wheat and ensure raids against suspected hoarders (3) Immediately expand percentage of BPL lists eligible for subsidised foodgrains and bring one crore more people with specific priority to tribals in the Antyodaya system (4) Expand commodities for APL.  These are interim measures towards universalisation of the PDS.

 The CPI(M) also expresses its concern about the dismal record of  official procurement of wheat which is not even two-thirds of the already low target of 150 lakh tonnes.   It demands that the government ensure the country’s self-sufficiency in foodgrains by making every effort to step up procurement.  It is preferable to give Indian farmers, particularly small and middle level farmers, a better price than to spend national resources for the profit of big traders by importing wheat.

 The Polit Bureau calls upon its Party units to continue to conduct struggles to achieve these demands to curb price-rise and for food security.

 Indo-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

 The Polit Bureau noted the statement of the US representative for the negotiations on the Indo-US nuclear cooperation agreement that 90 per cent of the agreement has been  arrived at. The Polit Bureau had already strongly criticised the letter written by seven US Congressmen to the Prime Minister demanding that India terminate cooperation with Iran in the energy sector and military spheres as conditions for concluding the nuclear cooperation agreement.

 In this connection, the Polit Bureau  emphasises that the Hyde act adopted by the US Congress has set out unacceptable terms on how India should conduct itself with regard to Iran and other foreign policy issues.  The Polit Bureau reiterates that the 123 agreement should not be negotiated without the United States clarifying all the issues which were raised in the Prime Minister’s statement to Parliament in August 2006. 

 Unorganised Workers Legislation

 The Polit Bureau noted that the provisions of the Bill for the social security of unorganised workers approved by the Cabinet are totally inadequate. It does not meet the basic requirements of the workers in this most exploited sector.  The Polit Bureau decided to prepare a critique of the draft legislation and suggest alternative provisions.

 Pension Fund Decision

 The Polit Bureau reiterated its strong opposition to the decision  to handover the pension fund of government employees to pension fund  companies in which 26 per cent FDI will be allowed.  The organisations of the  government employees movement, both the Central and state level, have expressed their strong opposition to the PFRDA Bill.  This is a backdoor attempt to bring its provisions into force.  The UPA should immediately rescind this decision.

 Stop Repression in Andhra Pradesh

 The Polit Bureau greeted the statewide struggle launched by the Party, the Left and mass organisations in Andhra Pradesh.  Tens of thousands of people have participated in the struggle for house sites and land all over the state.  The Andhra Pradesh state government has unleashed repression on the movement.  The police conducted lathicharges in 114 centres, in many places in a brutal fashion.  8,000 cases have been registered against the Party cadres and people who participated in the movement.  952 people were arrested and sent to jail of which 333 are still in prison. 

 The Polit Bureau demanded that the Congress government stop  the repression against the land movement and arrive at a settlement on their demands.

 Punjab Events

 The Polit Bureau expressed its concern at the tensions and clashes which occurred in Punjab following the controversial act by the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda. The call for a bandh by the Akal Takht and the religious extremism on display were disturbing.  The Akali Dal government should take a firm stand against the manifestation for religious extremism.  The Polit Bureau appealed to all sections of the people of Punjab to rebuff the extremists on both sides  and ensure  peace and communal amity are maintained. 

 One Year of LDF Government of Kerala

 The LDF government in Kerala has completed one year in office this month.   The Polit Bureau appreciated the performance  of the LDF government headed by V. S. Achuthanandan.  The revival of public sector units, measures to tackle price-rise, agreement on the Smart City project and the firm action by the government against encroachment in Munnar recently, have  won popular approval and enhanced the image of the government. 

 30^th Anniversary of Left Front Government of West Bengal

 The Polit Bureau decided that, alongwith the Left parties, the 30^th anniversary of the Left Front government of West Bengal which falls in June 2007 should be observed. For this, a countrywide campaign should be organised to highlight the achievements and the remarkable record of the Left Front government in the last three decades. 

 CC Meeting

 The next meeting of the Central Committee will be held from June 24 to 26, 2007 at New Delhi.