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Prakash Karat

Memo to President: Targetting of Muslim Youth

Muslim youth are the most vulnerable targets today. The draconian provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are used to deny the normal processes of justice, while there is no time bound procedure for the judicial processes. There is a growing feeling of fear and apprehension on the one hand and anger on the other that innocents are being implicated. Young lives have been destroyed, families stricken, forced into social isolation, driven into debt to pay the huge expenditures in legal fees—the terrible conditions caused by State led injustice.

Political Challenges Confronting the Left

Presentation by Prakash Karat at a discussion on “Political Challenges Confronting the Left” at a seminar organised by the Council for Social Development at New Delhi on August 8, 2012
 
Imperialist globalization and two decades of neo-liberal policies have wrought significant changes in Indian society – on the class structure, on social and political relations.
 
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For the Left, the major challenge is how to understand these changes under a neo-liberal regime, confront them and work out suitable strategy and tactics. 
 
How has it affected the basic classes?
 
A big section of the working class is not in the organised sector or in regular, permanent employment.  Even within the organised sector, a large number of workers are on contractual basis. The recent struggle in Maruti-Suzuki has highlighted this aspect.

The Current Presidential Election

The ruling classes have been attacking the Left in a concerted fashion with the aim of isolating it. Since 2009, the CPI(M) and the Left have been weakened. Without having any illusions that the ruling classes will cease their hostile approach, and given the unremitting position of the Left against the neo-liberal policies, it is necessary to utilize the conflicts and fissures within the ruling alliance between the bourgeois parties.

On T.P. Chandrasekharan's Murder

On T.P. Chandrasekharan Murder
and the Campaign Against the CPI(M)
 
(Excerpts from Speech by Prakash Karat, General Secretary, CPI(M) on E.K. Nayanar Day on May 19, 2012 at Kalliasseri in Kannur District)
 
The Communist movement in Kannur and in Kerala grew by fighting imperialism and feudal landlordism. By consistently championing the people’s interests. It grew by building the working class and peasant movements.
 
All this was possible due to the superior ideology and correct politics of the Communist Party. We have seen how our movement was subject to physical attacks and violence by the reactionary forces. Here in Kannur district in the 1970s employers and capitalists imported goondas belonging to the RSS to attack beedi workers and their unions. This was the origin of the RSS violence against the communists.

Opening Speech of Prakash Karat

Opening Speech of Prakash Karat, General Secretary of the CPI(M) at the Inaugural Session of the 20th Congress of the CPI(M)
 
Comrade Ramachandran Pillai, President of the inaugural session,
Comrade A. B. Bardhan, veteran leader of the Communist Party of India,
Comrade delegates and observers,
Guests and friends,
 
I hereby declare open the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). I convey my warm greetings to all the delegates, observes and special invitees assembled here. I welcome Comrade A. B.

Marxism in the 21st Century: Alternative to Neoliberal Capitalism and Imperialism

The Marxist, XXVII 4, October–December 2011
 
Prakash Karat
 
Marxism in the 21st Century:
Alternative to Neoliberal Capitalism
and Imperialism*
 
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Two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, the mood of capitalist triumphalism that existed then, has vanished. With the first prolonged capitalist crisis of the 21st century, the focus is now on the future of capitalism and the uncertain times faced by it.

Government Has to Respond

At present, however, the fight against corruption can be taken forward only when a strong Lokpal authority is constituted. The government Lokpal Bill has been rejected by large sections of the people; it is not acceptable to the Left parties and most of the opposition parties. In such a situation, there is no other way for the government, but to bring a modified or fresh Bill which can pave the way for an effective Lokpal

Rejoinder By Prakash Karat

There have been certain reports of my speech at the Memorial Conference for Victor Kiernan in Cambridge that are inaccurate in parts and misleading. Some agencies have attributed to me that I stated that we committed “a historical blunder” in not recognising the role played by caste in politics and society. It is also alleged that I said that Communists are “stuck in the forties” as far as their theory and practice is concerned.

Prakash Karat At All Parties Meeting

We have to understand that there can be no solution to the Kashmir problem without taking into account the feelings and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. ..The Centre should spell out that there can be a dialogue process without any side setting pre-conditions. It would be better if the Prime Minister appoints a senior political figure who can monitor this process.