[Marxistindia] P.B. Communique

[news from the cpi(m)]

August 1, 2021

P.B. Communique

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met on July  
31, 2021. It has issued the following statement:

Covid Pandemic

Even the official data shows that there is a rise in the average Covid  
positive rates in the country. To prevent this from reaching the stage  
of a catastrophic third wave, it is imperative that the rate of  
vaccination increases exponentially. So far, a mere 10.83 per cent of  
all adults are fully vaccinated. Every state government is reporting  
shortages. Central government procurement has been tardy. It gave  
three contradictory vaccine availability data to the parliament on the  
same day.

The Modi government must procure vaccines globally and launch a free  
universal mass vaccination drive across the country immediately.

During the continuing pandemic and various lockdowns that are taking  
place the central government continues to assault people’s livelihood  
leading to galloping unemployment. Daily fuel price hikes have  
triggered an overall inflationary spiral that is eating into the  
vitals of people’s livelihood leading to growth of hunger and  
malnutrition. Under these circumstances, the Modi government must  
immediately implement a direct cash transfer of Rs. 7500/- to all  
families not in the income tax paying bracket and distribute free  
food-kits for all needy.

Pegasus:
BJP Government Disrupting Parliament

The obdurate refusal of the Modi government to discuss the issue of  
Pegasus spyware surveillance is disrupting the parliament. More  
importantly, it is clear that the government does not want to tell the  
truth and be accountable to the parliament as ordained by our  
Constitution. PM Modi refuses to answer if the government or any of  
its agencies have engaged the Israeli NSO weapon grade Pegasus spyware  
to be used for spying on individuals ranging from political leaders,  
journalists, officers of the judiciary, ex-CBI chief, ex-Election  
Commissioner etc. This is ominous. The attack is not only the  
violation of the fundamental right to privacy but it is an attack on  
institutions that act as vital checks and balances in a democracy and  
discharge their constitutional duties. Use of this spyware is  
tantamount to destroying democracy and its institutions.

The CPI(M) reiterates that there should be an immediate high-powered  
judicial enquiry monitored by the Supreme Court to establish the truth  
and punish the guilty.

Assam-Mizoram Conflict

It is unprecedented that two neighbouring states, Assam and Mizoram,  
are engaged in armed clashes and hostilities. This is a total failure  
of the Central Government and the Home Ministry. Worse, such a  
situation developed soon after the Union Home Minister had gone there  
and attended a meeting convened by him of all the North Eastern states  
and their officials. The Central government must ensure that these  
hostilities cease and peace established.

Both Assam and Mizoram have NDA governments. NDA is led by the BJP.  
What is the ruling party doing?

Create Conditions for the Early
Reopening of Educational Institutions

India must prevent the wastage of its youth who are suffering from  
closure of educational institutions for over a year and a half now.  
Only 22 per cent of students reportedly have access to digital  
education. Overwhelming number of government and private schools are  
not WiFi enabled. This digital divide is creating innumerable problems  
like phenomenal growth in child and human trafficking, child labour,  
petty crimes, malnutrition in the absence of midday meals etc.

All teachers, students and staff of educational institutions must be  
fully vaccinated on a priority basis, treating them as frontline  
workers to create conditions for the early reopening of educational  
institutions.

Farmers Agitation

Kisans under the leadership of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have been on  
a continuous protest action and struggles for over eight months now.  
Obstinately the Modi government refuses to engage in any discussion  
with them. The Central government must resume talks with the SKM.

While fully supporting the kisan struggles, the CPI(M) reiterates that  
these agri laws must be repealed immediately and the right to sell at  
MSP which is C2+50% must be legislated as law.

Attacks on the Working Class

Along with the large-scale loot of our national assets, privatisation  
of all public sector units and public utilities, the BJP central  
government has embarked on more attacks on the rights of the working  
people. The Essential Defence Services Ordinance, 2021 must not be  
converted into law. The CPI(M) along with others will oppose this in  
parliament.

The central government is passing important legislations through the  
din created by government sponsored disruptions. The CPI(M) demands  
that no legislation should be passed without a proper structured  
discussion. This BJP central government is undermining the parliament  
of discharging its responsibility and legislating on important matters  
working people life and death issues. This must stop.


For CPI(M) Central Committee Office