People's Democracy

IN a major decision for the party, the CPI(M) has demanded the dismissal of Gujarat government and imposition of President's rule in the state as it is "the only way to save Gujarat from further violence and destruction and to protect the minorities and the Constitutional principle".

Addressing a press conference at the party central office here on Friday, May 10, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat said this stand was taken in view of the extraordinary situation prevailing in Gujarat where unprecedented violence against minorities is continuing even after 70 days. He said the CPI(M) would rally wider opinion on this demand by talking to those parties who are concerned about the Gujarat situation.

Karat said the CPI(M) has always been against the use of article 356, except in the extraordinary situation arising out of the Babri Masjid demolition when it supported the dismissal of four BJP state governments which was later upheld by the Supreme Court. He said the Polit Bureau of the party, after discussion, came to the conclusion that the situation in Gujarat warrants imposition of president's rule. "We have not seen any state government since independence which has acted so brazenly against the minorities," said Prakash Karat.

He said in the last few days the killings in Ahmedabad were clearly targeted killings of minorities who ventured to go back to their houses or workplaces. The fact that these killings continue despite the deployment of army and paramilitary forces clearly shows that the state government does not have the will to act against the perpetrators who belong to the political outfits patronised by it.

Citing the issuance of circulars by some district magistrates ordering closure of the relief camps, Prakash said the message of Modi government to the minorities is very clear: "You clear off from Gujarat." The minorities in Gujarat are today in a position where they can neither go back to their homes because of the targeted attacks nor does the state government allow them to stay in relief camps. That's why the CPI(M) felt there is no scope for rehabilitation of the victims under this government and hence the demand for president's rule.

When questioned whether this move would not bring the state under Advani's rule, Karat replied that president's rule also means that governance of the state would come under the scope of parliament which can direct the central government to act.

He dismissed the talk of the government about using article 355 as a "mere sham" and said concrete written orders to the state government must be sent as a prelude to acting under article 356.

When asked about any political activity being contemplated in Gujarat to press these demands, he replied that the situation today even in Ahmedabad is such that no normal activity is possible. Though not part of any political activity, the CPI(M) has taken up the relief work. He told the newsmen that the party has sent medicines worth 2.5 lakh rupees to Ahmedabad recently and by next month materials worth another 50 lakh rupees would be sent from Bengal. Right now the party is concentrating on relief work alone, said Prakash Karat. (INN)

Click here For the P.B. Statement