People's Democracy

On the Situation in Andhra Pradesh

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement on December 26, 2009.

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its deep concern at the situation in Andhra Pradesh. The Congress Party and the central government have thoroughly mishandled the issue of Telangana that has resulted in the current rise of tensions and conflicts. It is the responsibility of the Congress Party to work for the restoration of normalcy. Though the central government had announced that it would
undertake a process of consultations with all political parties and civil society, the modalities for this is not announced so far. The central government must begin this process immediately in order to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

The CPI(M) reiterates its consistent position that the linguistic basis for the organisation of the states in the country should not be disturbed as this would lead to innumerable demands all across the country, given our vast diversity and plurality. Further the linguistic re-organisation of states constitutes the bedrock of India�s federal policy that should not be disturbed. Therefore, in the background of the reports that the central government is contemplating the establishment of a second states re-organisation commission, the CPI(M) thinks that this is unnecessary.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) condemns the wanton destruction of properties and attacks on political leaders in the state. It appeals to the people of Andhra Pradesh, all political parties and civil society to exercise the utmost restraint and work together for restoring normalcy.