People's Democracy

Massive Rally In Chennai Marks 

Conclusion Of CITU Conference

A K Padmanabhan

THE massive rally was a fitting finale to the successful conclusion of the 11th all India conference of the CITU. Thousands and thousands of men and women marched through the highly populated residential lanes of Chennai on the evening of December 13. 

Hundreds of trained volunteers, including women and children, clad in red led the procession which began from Nerkundram near the Koyambedu wholesale market complex. The leading contingent marched with 11 huge flags of CITU denoting the eleventh conference. A Soundararajan, general secretary of state CITU and one of the newly elected secretaries, flagged off the procession. 

With resounding slogans on various demands of the toiling people of India the procession marched to the Maidan, named after the legendary leader of the working people of Tamil Nadu, Comrade M Singaravelu. It was Comrade Singaravelu who organised and led the first May day in India by hoisting the Red Flag on the Marina sands in 1923. After 56 years of Independence the situation today is that the oppressive and authoritarian state government has banned all public meetings in the Marina beach.

Waving thousands of Red flags, the processionists marched under the respective banners of various unions and district committees. Thousands of people, thronged the lanes to greet the processionists who were raising slogans on the demands of the people. At many places women welcomed the march and offered drinking water. 

From a specially erected dais on the route of the march, the CITU leaders and fraternal delegates from foreign countries viewed the procession and greeted them. 

While the red shirt volunteers were marching to the rhythm of bands, there were many other groups with traditional drums and other instruments marching along. 

The WTO, IMF and World Bank were decried through caricatures and depictions. They also lampooned the state and central rulers. 

Workers from Sivagangai district carried a 200 meter long  banner which had slogans criticising various government policies and attack on democratic rights.   

Expressing solidarity with the CITU workers in the march, various unions and associations like AITUC, BEFI, teachers organisation, BSNLEU, DYFI, and AIDWA greeted them at different points on the route. 

The procession culminated in the massive rally which had to begin even before the end of the procession reached the venue. 

In his welcome address A Soundararajan referred to the state government’s denial of permission to hold the rally in Chennai city. He declared that the successful conclusion of the rally, despite all the hurdles posed by the state government, has shown the determination of the working people to surmount all challenges.   

Cultural programmes were conducted by “Pudukottai Bhoopalam” and “Pondicherry Safdar Hashmi” troupes at the beginning of the meeting. A K Padmanabhan proposed vote of thanks.   

The reception committee has thanked all those who have co-operated, contributed and helped for the successful holding of the conference.