KARNATAKA

CPI(M) Appeals NE People not to Leave Bangalore

THE Karnataka state secretariat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has made an appeal to the students and people of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur and other north eastern states leaving in Bangalore not to leave the city because of the threats coming from anti-socials and rumour mongers.

At the same time, through its statement issued at a press conference at Bangalore on August 17, the party’s state secretariat also asked that the state government extend full protection to these people and book the rumour mongers and anti-socials who are threatening the people of north eastern states.

The CPI(M) stressed that as per the constitution of India, Indian people have the freedom to live and work anywhere in India. Moreover, the people of Karnataka are known for peacefulness and hospitality. Therefore the CPI(M) said the people of north east region need not harbour any fear.

The party also condemned the inhuman killings of people belonging to one particular community in Assam but emphasised that it must not be followed by retaliations or communal clashes. We have to defeat the nefarious game of the rumour mongers while keeping the unity and integrity of the country in view, the CPI(M) opined.

MANGALORE

INCIDENT

The CPI(M) state secretariat also said leaders of the BJP and Sangh Parivar are supporting the inhuman attacks on the boys and girls at Morning Mist Home Stay in Mangalore in the name of protecting the so called culture. While addressing a seminar at Bangalore, Pramila Nesargi, a former MLA belonging to the BJP, and C Manjula, chairwoman of the State Women’s Commission, blamed the owner of the Home Stay as well as the youth there for the attacks they have themselves suffered. Even in Mangalore, the Sangh Parivar sponsored women’s organisations are holding processions to justify the attacks. A false campaign about so called illegal and immoral activities inside Home Stay is being carried on in spite of the fact that the police gave a report contrary to it. Such false campaign is being carried on to gain Hindu vote bank in the name of ‘Hindu pride,’ the CPI(M) said

The CPI(M) also urged the state government to dismiss the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission for giving a false report to the government.

DONATIONS TO

CONGRESS & BJP

An organisation called the Karnataka Election Watch has disclosed that the Congress and the BJP have received Rs 1493.35 crore and Rs 769.81 crore respectively as donations during the last four years. The CPI(M) dubbed such donations as astonishing and an attack on democracy because such huge donations are utilised to purchase votes. Another important thing is that through their trusts Indian monopolies are donating crores of rupees to both the parties. Naturally these parties devise such policies as are in favour of these companies.

It is to be noted here that a few years back, the Tatas had sent a cheque to the CPI(M) as well, as donation, but was duly returned by the party.

DRAUGHT CONTINUES,

LITTLE RELIEF FROM GOVT

Even though there was some raining in certain districts of the state, districts like Kolar, Chikballapur, Bangalore Rural, Chitradurga and Bellary etc are still reeling under drought conditions. The state government, however, continues to ignore the plight of the people in drought affected areas. In this regard, the CPI(M) has demanded that the state government must come to the rescue of the people at once. The party has demanded, among other things, the following steps:

1) Drinking water must be supplied through tanks.

2) Fodder banks must be built at the panchayat level.

3) MGNREGA must be implemented in full vigour.

4) Free ration must be ensured for all the poor.

5) All-party committees must oversee the relief work at all levels.

6) Rs 10,000 as relief must be provided for every acre of crop loss.

DEATHS DUE TO

MALNUTRITION

The CPI(M) has also pointed out that in Raichur, Yadgiri and other districts, women and children are dying due to malnutrition while the people’s income is dwindling due to the drought condition and the corruption prevalent in the MGNREGA. On the other hand, the quantity of ration has been reduced because of the unit system. Nutritious food is not given to the children in Anganwadis either. Due to all these factors, in particular, women and children are dying.

After the BJP government assumed power in Karnataka, the incidents of murder and dacoity have much increased. In Bangalore, the state capital, at least four or five murders are being reported everyday. Single women living in Bangalore cannot feel safe. In most of the murder cases, the CPI(M) further pointed out, the culprits were not booked. It is a total failure on the part of the BJP government, the CPI(M) stressed.