PRAGOTI

Tamil Nadu “accepts in principle” a 3 per cent quota for a few sub-sects within the existing 18 per cent reservation for the Scheduled Castes,writes S. Viswanathan.

CPI(M) spearheaded the agitation of Arunthathiyar community,which is one among the most marginalized sections among the lower castes in Tamil Nadu.A significant section of Arunthathiyars still work as night soil removers and underground sewer cleaners,for whom the exclusive reservations would certainly be a respite,though the lingering upper class stigma against the "untouchables" in Tamil Nadu and the resultant social exclusion points out the need for more affirmative measures from the authorities.

Eugene van Erven writes about the Progressive Indian theater movement and recollects his acquaintance with Safdar Hashmi and Jana Natya Manch.

Hundreds of people participated in the protest demonstration held by CPI(M) in front of Israeli embassy.

Hundreds of Dalits led by the CPI(M) leaders made an attempt on Wednesday to enter the Kannanallur Mariamman temple situated at Panthapuli near Sankarankoil in Tamil Nadu.This agitation is part of the string of militant protests lead by CPI(M) against Dalit oppression and untouchability in Tamil Nadu.

"The political message is, thus, clear. The people see very little difference between the policies pursued by the BJP and the Congress in redressing the issues of their livelihood. It is clear that if a political alternative based on sound alternative policies is forged, then people’s acceptance can be mustered at the hustings. Such an alternative, obviously, cannot be a cut and paste arrangement on the eve of elections. This has to emerge through popular struggles on policy alternatives for India’s future and a better livelihood for its people."

A People's Democracy editorial which analyzes the outcome of recently held assembly elections in  five states

Gulf News interviews Brinda Karat, politburo member, CPI(M) and Rajya Sabha member.

The CPI (M) has prepared an Approach Paper on Restructuring of Centre-State Relations. This is being put forward to initiate a discussion among political parties and organisations to enable the emergence of a common platform in and bring about a restructuring of Centre-State relations.

Outlook magazine recently carried a cover story on the role of the Left in insulating India from the financial crisis that has engulfed the entire country. Although Outlook, in its attempt to appear "neutral", dilutes the above statement and makes it an open-ended question, it does carry a few articles and interviews that lay out the context behind the argument. Links are provided in this post.

It is clear by now that the global financial crisis has graduated into a global economic crisis of serious proportions. The advanced economies are set to experience a protracted recession and the developing countries across the world, including the Indian economy, will also be adversely affected.

The UPA Government has so far chosen to meet only the corporate bigwigs and bankers in order to discuss policy responses; neither have the State Governments nor other political parties, trade unions, farmers’ organisations and other organisations representing crucial stakeholders been consulted. It is indeed strange that at a time when the neoliberal vision of putting corporate profits over peoples’ interest and relying upon ‘trickle down economics’ is getting discredited across the world, the economic managers of the UPA Government are clinging on to it. In this backdrop, the CPI (M) is putting forward a set of concrete suggestions in order to tackle the adverse impact of the global recession on the Indian economy and protect the interests of the people.

A run of devastation called an 'agitation,' has had a temporary triumph. It has wounded the both the prospects of industrial investment in the state and the process of industrialisation.

However, we have not an iota of doubt in our hearts-and-minds that the negative 'agitationists' movement shall be met politically. People must come forward. The campaign-movement that would soon unfurl across the state and in the country must be conducted amidst the people, with the people.

Nirupam Sen, Politburo Member of the CPI(M) and Minister of Industry and Commerce, West Bengal responds after the wind up of the Tata small car project.