It is the duty of all Left, democratic forces to hold high the flag of democracy: CPI (M) general secretary M A Baby

It is the duty of all Communist, Left and democratic forces to fight the majoritarian-communal agenda of the BJP-RSS combine to hold high the flag of democracy, said the Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby.

He was speaking at a seminar on “Challenges facing the Left in today’s India” organised by the CPI in Khammam on Tuesday to mark the closing ceremony of the CPI’s centenary celebrations.

“The false narratives of the fascist RSS backed forces need to be countered and relentless efforts be made to strengthen independent Left organisations to jointly combat the communal and fascist forces,” he added.

He said: “We are united in our resolve to foil the neo-fascist tendencies of the BJP ruling dispensation at the Centre controlled by the RSS.” Most dangerous and alarming move is to remove various sections from the voter lists in the name of the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR). SIR is being implemented coinciding with Census exercise. It has wider ramifications, he said, adding “RSS’s designs to misuse census and delimitation exercises should be countered to save democracy and the Constitution.”

He said the repeal of MGNREGA and removal of the name of Mahatma Gandhi from the legislation is an unpardonable act.

He stressed that all Left and democratic forces should work together on the issues concerning poor and marginalised sections to defend their rights.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka charrged the BJP-led Central government with destroying voting rights and attempting to amend the Constitution. “Corporate forces are challenging Parliamentary democracy. Let us wage united struggles against fascists and capitalists,” he said.

He noted that the historic Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle sent a new message to the world.

He said the CPI played a prominent role in India’s freedom struggle, adding, “The CPI has a glorious history of 100 years. The role of Communists in India is extremely significant.”

CPI general secretary D. Raja, Telangana State secretary K. Sambasiva Rao and national leaders of various Left parties and others spoke.