KOLKATA, 13th
June:
THE CPI(M) has decided to develop broader unity to resist violent attacks on
people in West Bengal after the elections. The state committee meeting of the
Party, on June 11-12 called upon the Party workers and people to stand in
unison against murderous attacks. Party will also focus on issues of livelihood
to build up class and mass movements.
Eight Left Front activists have
been killed during and after the election process, two of them after the
declaration of results. But the magnitude of the attack cannot be comprehended
only through the number of the killed. 1,924 activists and supporters have been
injured in the attack; many of them were admitted in hospitals. More than 9,200
persons have been rendered homeless, 2,876 houses were ransacked, destroyed or
burnt. At least in 12 cases, cluster of houses in the villages were put to
flames.
In a clear message that opposition
parties will not be allowed to function in a normal manner, offices of Left
parties and mass organisations were attacked, destroyed, ransacked, seized or
burnt in large numbers. 575 offices of the CPI(M) or Left parties and 128
offices of mass organisations were attacked in these ways.
Another feature is the direct
attack on livelihood. Hundreds of shops, mostly small, belonging to Left
supporters were looted and ransacked. In villages, ‘suspected’ Left voters are
being denied jobs including MNREGA. In industrial areas or in construction
sites casual and contract workers are sacked. There is all-pervasive atmosphere
of fear in government offices, municipalities and rural level administration.
CPI(M) has decided to launch
movement to defend democratic, civil rights at four levels. Firstly, Party will
build up movements with independent strength. There will be resistance keeping
in mind the objective situation of the area, mobilising people. Secondly, the
Left Front will initiate programmes, discussing the details in the Front.
Thirdly, CPI(M) will strive for united action with Left parties outside the
Left Front, on issues. The Party wants to build up broader Left unity. And,
lastly, broader mobilisation will be done including the friendly parties of
Left Front like RJD, JD(U), NCP and other secular parties. This may include
Congress too in different localities. CPI(M) will try to build up broadest possible
peoples unity in the process. It is urgently needed to develop broad platforms
to resist fascistic onslaught on rights and livelihood of the people.
In the state committee meeting of
the Party, primary review of the election results was conducted. After the
meeting, state secretary Surjyakanta Misra briefed media on some of the aspects
of this review. The entire election process was conducted in an atmosphere of
terror. The reign of terror, prevailing in the state for last five years have
impacted organisational strength of the Party too. In many areas, proper
organisational activities could not be stepped up during elections because of
this atmosphere. While it was true that voting was more peaceful than 2014 Lok
Sabha elections, many distortions took place. In many constituencies, 20 to 60
booths witnessed rampant false voting, capturing, and ouster of opposition
polling agents. Peoples’ verdict was not reflected properly in these areas,
making an overall impact on the results. Election Commission has not been able
to implement corrective measures in such cases. In fact, the EC has taken steps
in five percent of allegations filed by Left parties.
Review also identified
organisational weakness of the Party. In many areas, proper organisational work
could not be conducted at booth level. Despite large gatherings in public
meeting, door to door contact was weak. Alienation with people in different
areas could not be overcome yet. But, it was clear that wherever organisational
activities were regular and relations with people was maintained, the result
was comparatively better. As Left, democratic, secular forces fought this
election together, it is difficult to separate vote share among them. In 169
assembly constituencies, votes for these candidates have increased. Within
assembly constituencies, aggregate vote and share of Left candidates have
increased in large number of booths as well. Booth level detail review will be
done to ascertain the reasons of increase or decline of votes.
Misra said the discussion in the
state committee has shown that enthusiasm and spontaneous response among Left
supporters grew during the election process. However, it could not be
translated into increase of votes proportionately everywhere.
Misra has categorically asserted that
Left Front will remain united and will continue to fight on peoples’ issues.
There may be some difference in perceptions among the constituents, which has
happened in the past too. But these differences will be resolved through
discussion within the front.
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