People's Democracy

Tiruppur: Left Rally Condemns Communal Vandalism 

Thousands Mobilised Demanding Implementation Of CMP

A A Nainar

THE hosieries hub of the south, Tiruppur, witnessed one of the largest mobilisation of the workers and the people on October 15 to condemn the vandalism of the communal forces represented by the BJP and the Hindu Munnani. The rally, originally part of the series of meetings being organised by the CPI(M) and the CPI in the state demanding implementation of the beneficial features of the CMP, took on an added significance in view of the physical attacks on the two Left parties.

Of late, Vinayaka Chaturthi festival of the Hindus had been converted into a day for communal mobilisation and to attack the political opponents of the sangh parivar. This year too the lumpens and anti-socials masquerading as Hindu Munnani and BJP volunteers had uprooted the CPI(M) and CPI party flags in seven places and vandalised their offices.

The Hindu Munnani themselves floated a rumour that a Ganesha idol was damaged by the communists and under that plea went round indulging in such politically motivated attacks. The Tiruppur police, despite repeated complaints did not show inclination to take action against such organised vandalism. Instead – and true to their notorious record – they filed cases under section 107 against activists of communist parties after admitting the counter-complaints of the Munnani.

Earlier, the CPI(M) and the CPI leaders met in Chennai and decided that people’s struggles demanding implementation of the pro-people measures in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the UPA government must be initiated in the state immediately. Accordingly they chalked out a plan for the two parties to conduct as many public meetings as possible throughout the state as part of this struggle.

The October 15 public meeting at Tiruppur, while articulating the views of the Left about their support to the UPA government, condemned the BJP for indulging in such attacks.

Govindasamy, CPI(M) Coimbatore (East) district secretary, in his presidential address elaborated the background of the attacks of the BJP, which picked up more after the party’s defeat in the 14th general elections. They had been instigating violence all through with the connivance of the state government and the ruling party in the state.

It may recalled that “Iduvai” panchayat president belonging to the CPI(M) was brutally murdered two years back by persons belonging to the AIADMK. The culprits were brought to book only after the CPI(M) launched a powerful movement throughout the state. That the ‘partnership of the frustrated’ continues in the state even after the defeat in the general elections is revealed by the recent attacks.

Subbarayan, CPI MP from Coimbatore spoke about the continuing communal mobilisation of the BJP in this part of the state. He said the very attendance of the people in their thousands at short notice for this meeting is a manifestation of the people’s solidarity with the Left.

R Nallakannu, CPI state secretary, demanded immediate withdrawal of false cases foisted on the Left parties cadre relating to these attacks. He also criticised the inaction of the state government on such issues and condemned its pro-active intervention in initiating anti-people and anti-worker measures.

Concluding the meeting N Sankaraiah, CPI(M) central committee member touched upon all issues that assume significance for the livelihood of the people of the whole country in the current political scenario. He said that within a short span of five months since the UPA government assumed power at the centre, the Left was able to intervene on issues concerning the people and grab concessions for the toiling masses of the country as far as possible. He quoted the recent declaration of food-for-work programme in 150 backward districts of the country, disbursement of unpaid salaries and retirement benefits for the PSU workers, effecting a check on the continued increase in the price of the petroleum products inside the country etc as examples. He added that the Left would act as the guardian of the government to ward off communal danger on the one hand and to win over benefits for the deprived sections of the society on the other.

Sankaraiah exhorted the AIADMK members to introspect about the devastating defeat they had to face because their leader hobnobbed with the communal forces. He also assured the people of the state that not only the unity of the Left but the unity of the secular democratic forces in the state would be preserved and further strengthened in the course of struggles demanding people’s welfare. 

Thousands of youngsters came in bicycles from the nearby villages. Apart from the people owing allegiance to the Left parties, general public also gathered in large numbers, perceptible anger writ on their faces against the communal vandals. When they went back they went with a confidence and the resolve to strengthen the Left with such mobilisations. (INN)