People's Democracy

P B Communiqué 

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in Kolkata on September 12 and 13, 2006. It issued the following statement on September 13, 2006

Malegaon Blasts

The Polit Bureau discussed the continuing terrorist violence which is occurring, as seen in the Malegaon blasts which have led to the death of 37 people and injuries to over a hundred. The blasts occurring at a mosque and a graveyard point to the calculated effort to create communal tensions and provoke communal violence. While strongly condemning this latest incidence of terrorist violence, the Polit Bureau wanted the state and central governments to make a coordinated effort to uncover the network and groups behind such attacks. 

The Polit Bureau decided to send a team of its parliamentary leaders to visit Malegaon and convey the Party’s sympathy and solidarity with the people of Malegaon.

On Price Rise

The Polit Bureau expressed serious concern at the continuing price rise of essential commodities especially food items. In this connection, futures trading in food grains and other essential commodities is leading to speculation and fuelling price rise. The Polit Bureau expressed surprise at the reluctance of the government to take steps to curb futures trading in these commodities. The Polit Bureau urged the government to take immediate steps in this regard.

The failure to procure adequate quantities of wheat is affecting the public distribution system. The decision of the government to allow import of wheat by private traders with zero duty will not provide wheat for the public distribution system which needs to be urgently strengthened. The lowering of phyto-sanitary standards for wheat imports is also an unwise move.

Special Economic Zones

The Polit Bureau discussed in depth the setting up of Special Economic Zones in the country. Large tracts of land are being given to the promoters of multi-product Special Economic Zones. In such cases land is being acquired from farmers on a large scale without due compensation or provision of means of livelihood. There is also wholesale tax exemption being given which is going to have adverse affects on government revenues. There are also other features of the SEZ Act including setting up of international financial centers which detract from the sovereignty of the country.

The Polit Bureau decided to take up this issue so that changes can be introduced in the SEZ Act and rules and procedures. The Polit Bureau decided to seek the cooperation of other political parties on this issue and take up the matter with the government.

August Campaign

The Polit Bureau noted the success of the August campaign conducted by the Party. It decided to present a detailed report of the campaign and future steps to be taken at the forthcoming meeting of the Central Committee.

Security Council Membership

For the five non-permanent seats in the Security Council, elections are to be held soon. From the Latin American-Caribbean region, Venezuela is making a bid for membership. The United States is totally opposed to Venezuela’s membership and is working actively to foil this bid and get Guatemala elected. The Polit Bureau noted that the Indian government has not taken a decision so far on whom to support from this region. Venezuela is an important member of the Group of Developing Countries and the Non Aligned Movement. India should support Venezuela’s candidature. There should be no question of supporting Guatemala which has the worst human rights record in Latin America.

Organisational Report

The Polit Bureau held detailed discussions on a draft Report on Organisation to be placed in the forthcoming Central Committee meeting to be held from September 24. The draft report will present a review of the work on the organizational front and the implementation of the tasks set out by the 18th Party Congress held in April 2005.