People's Democracy

Jaipur: Prakash Karat Leads Court Arrest

AS a part of the all-India picketing programme called for by the CPI(M), Prakash Karat, general secretary of the Party courted arrest outside  the Collectorate in Jaipur, along with 500 protestors, on May 31, 2013.

Carrying red flags and placards, the demonstrators marched from the Khasa Kothi junction to the district collector’s office, demanding food security, pattas for housesites in kachhi bastis and curbs on price rise. Addressing the demonstrators, CPI(M) state secretary Vasudev condemned the policies of the Congress state government --- policies which have increased the distress of the farmers and failed to curb the price rise or maintain the law and order. He also declared that the people have not forgotten the dark deeds of the earlier Vasundhara Raje government which had killed scores of people in police firings.

Prakash Karat called upon the people to continue the movement for achieving a universal public distribution system, housesites for the urban and rural poor and for employment for the youth. He criticised the food security bill placed in parliament as it does not provide for 35 kilograms of foodgrains at not more than Rs 2 per kilogram for every family per month. He demanded an
urban employment guarantee scheme as well. He said neither the Congress nor the BJP is implementing any policies in the interests of the people. They serve the interests of the big capitalists and other richer sections. He stressed on the need to fight for alternative policies, and congratulated the people for joining the picketing programme despite the blazing heat.

After this, the protestors, led by Prakash Karat and Vasudev, courted arrest. They included over a hundred women. They were taken away in police vans and released later.