Volume 38 No. 2 Organ of the SOCIALIST UNITY CENTRE OF September 1, 2004 Founder Editor-in-Chief : COMRADE Price : Rs. 2.00

WOMEN RESERVATION BILL How Far For Women For quite some time, the demand for reserving 33% of patriarchal exploitations, the seats of the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas for the that their problems would women is being raised from some circles. It is argued that be considerably mitigated if this is a step towards empowerment of womanhood. the proposed measure is Considerable discussions and deliberations on this have adopted. In this situation, it been going on in the pages of and journals as has become extremely well. But it is intriguing to find that the capitalist class, the necessary to deliberate upon media controlled by it and the political parties subservient all aspects of the proposed to it like the Congress and the BJP who are not at all measure of reserving a bothered about the barest minimum for subsistence of over quota of seats for the 90 % of the population, the toiling millions, are all very women in the Lok Sabha vocal on this question of reservation. It is also a fact that and Vidhan Sabha. the CPI(M), the CPI and their associate parties too have joined them in the chorus on this question. The ousted BJP Women’s problems government, with the support of the then parties in stem from the socio- 26 December, 1893 — 9 September, 1976 Opposition like the Congress, the CPI(M), and the CPI, economic condition ‘‘Certain people ... think that there is too made several attempts to get the Women Reservation Bill It goes without saying little freedom under our people’s democracy passed in the Lok Sabha. But it could not be passed because that the problems of women and that there is more freedom under of differences on the questions of percentage of seats to be arise from the problems of reserved and the provision for special reservation along the particular country, Western parliamentary democracy. They ask caste lines within the total percentage of reservation. The society they live in, and so for a two-party system as in the West, with Congress and the BJP, along with the CPI(M) and the CPI, if viewed in isolation from one party in office and the other in are sparing no efforts to get the Bill passed. The newly the social perspective their opposition. But this so-called two party installed Congress-led government has once again declared problems cannot be its intention to get the Bill passed. Naturally, in the minds scientifically analyzed, the system is nothing but a device for of many, including a large section of the women a sense of actual nature of the maintaining the dictatorship of the hope and aspiration has also been generated. An impression problems cannot be bourgeoisie; it can never guarantee freedoms is sought to be created among the women — neglected, understood and the correct to the working people. As a matter of fact, tortured, oppressed and smarting under capitalist and Contd. on page 2 freedom and democracy exist not in the abstract, but only in the concrete. In a society The International Tribunal has indicted President where class struggle exists, if there is Bush as a war criminal in freedom for the exploiting classes to exploit New York. Comrade Manik the working people, there is no freedom for Mukherjee, Vice-President the working people not to be exploited. If of the All India Anti- there is democracy for the bourgeoisie there Imperialist Forum has placed his testimony is no democracy for the proletariat and other against Bush before the working people. The legal existence of the gathering in New York on Communist Party is tolerated in some the occasion. capitalist countries, but only to the extent that it does not endanger the fundamental interests of the bourgeoisie; it is not tolerated (Left) Poster published in beyond that.’’ the USA about the — (Mao Zedong on Correct Handling of International Tribunal. Contradictions among the People; SW : Vol. V) PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 Capitalist system — stumbling block in path of progress Contd. from page 1 exploiters can never be the same as party of the proletariat come out population. The elected women solutions cannot be found out. So, the democracy and the rights of the victorious in the election by from this or that party serving the to understand the character of the exploited. It is in this sense that overcoming all obstacles put up by interest of the capitalist class would problems of Indian women, democracy and rights have class the capitalist class, they are unable serve the capitalist class just as different aspects of the present character. Exposing their hypocrisy, to do anything to even somewhat obediently as their male capitalist economic and political he raised the question: Democracy mitigate the intensity of exploitation counterparts in the legislature. This system of India would have to be for which class, against which on the people, because the is what is being daily observed in examined. class? He stressed that those who government that is formed through the parliamentary politics of the Everybody knows that after talk about “democracy for all, rights such elections is deeply wedded to whole capitalist world. independence a capitalist state and a for the whole people” sidetracking the capitalist class; what is more, in capitalist economic system were this question, are either utterly a capitalist system, exploitation by Moribund capitalism - root of established in India and a social- ignorant, or else cunning, seasoned the capitalist class can never get all evils cultural framework suited and agents of the capitalist class, lessened, it only intensifies more The second aspect to be conducive to these has been built up subservient to it and protectors of its and more - such is the system. So, considered is that in capitalist India, in post-independent India. In this interest. those few genuine people’s elected the basic factor hindering system, it is the ruling capitalist representatives, if they are really development of the womenfolk and class that possesses all economic Manipulations galore in imbued with revolutionary ideology, as such acting as the basic cause of power. The political power is also bourgeois parliamentary can do only one thing and that is all their burning problems, is the concentrated in the hands of the elections they can to some extent, portray the lack of their economic freedom, the capitalist class. 95 % of the people Such being the condition, it is heart-rending picture of the denial of even the minimum of the country, irrespective of their not difficult to understand that in a merciless oppression of all opportunity for them to earn a gender, do not enjoy any political capitalist system, simply winning downtrodden people irrespective of livelihood freely, without which all power in the true sense. Despite elections or getting elected does not community, caste, creed, language high sounding rights stand some rights on paper, talks about mean anything as real power lies or gender, and raise their legitimate meaningless. It is known to all, that democracy, equality, fraternity on elsewhere. Secondly, it is also true demands inside the legislature and it is this economic freedom that is the surface and holding of the that although elections may be held simultaneously reveal to the people the determinant of all other election spectacle at definite from time to time under this system, the real character of the ruthless freedoms and rights. No right can be intervals of time, these have no true representatives of the exploited exploitation of the capitalist class. If established in its absence. The value in the lives of 95 % of the masses can never get elected in a legitimate movement of the rights conferred on the women in population, irrespective of gender. significant numbers in such exploited crystallizes, they can writing or verbally in this capitalist These rights conferred on them with elections. Election results are project its voice inside the system are all bereft of their so much trumpeting have no swayed in favour of the capitalist legislature, and any elected essence. In the moribund capitalist effectiveness in changing their class through clever ploys and representative imbued with system of today, there is no further poverty-stricken existence, their fast stratagems, use of money power, revolutionary ideology, whether a scope of any industrial development deteriorating condition. The ruling concerted, all-out propaganda by the man or a woman, can do this. That to generate more employment. class and its agents try to create media controlled by monopoly the elected revolutionaries, if they Under this system, not to speak of illusion among the exploited masses capital, indiscriminate use of muscle are men, would speak about only creation of new employment by a grand show of such “rights” power to intimidate and terrorize the the oppressed men, or if the elected opportunities, even the existing devoid of any substance in order to common people, confusing and revolutionaries are women, they opportunities are fast getting both nip in the bud the possibility of deluding them by raising the issues would solely focus on the squeezed. It is not because of the an organized, revolutionary of religion, community and caste or destitution of the oppressed women unwillingness of any individual or movement of 95 % of the race, and if necessary, even naked or is, it goes without saying, something group of individuals but due to the population oppressed and clandestine all-out rigging, shedding inconceivable. Such unrealistic, inexorable law of the capitalist suppressed under the grinding all pretence of democracy. unscientific thinking is beyond production process. So practically wheel of capitalist state machine, as Conduction of elections in such imagination. On the other hand, it is no opportunity exists today for well as to protect the exploitative manner has been the hallmark of all futile to expect that the women providing employment to the capitalist state machine from being capitalist countries including our, members elected as representatives women constituting half of the overthrown. Viewed from this and it is in this way that this or that of a party serving the interest of the population, making secure their angle, these serve as the safeguards party of the ruling capitalist class is capitalist class would ever highlight economic freedom. But it is clear of the capitalist class in practice on coming to power. This is clear as the cause of the exploited, that this is not possible under the the one hand, while on the other, by daylight today. The capitalist class humiliated and tortured, oppressed capitalist system. Not to speak of a deceiving the exploited masses, they of the country totally and women. So if the genuine permanent solution, there are no hide from them the truth that in indisputably controls the elections, proletarian class outlook dawns efforts to even partially fulfill this reality they have no political rights not only in India but in all capitalist upon someone in search of truth, urgent need. It is well known that under capitalism. Unmasking this countries of the world. Most of one would find that so long as this the key to emancipation of women nefarious and deceitful conduct of those elected are wedded to and capitalist order is in vogue and the from capitalist exploitation and the capitalist class, Lenin repeatedly controlled by this or that industrial patriarchal domination continuing in terrible patriarchal oppression by said that although they make a loud house or monopoly group. It is our society under this capitalist society under capitalism lies in noise about the democracy and the known to all that these so-called system in the interest and with the abolition of the capitalist system, rights under the capitalist system, elected representatives of the people patronage of the capitalist class, the urge for which is gaining ground the point that must be grasped is are utterly powerless to cross the there can be no end, not even throughout the world. that in a class-divided society, in the limits set by big business and slightest amelioration of the plight context of conflicting class interests monopoly capital. In such a and exploitation of the women just Votaries of reservation — of the exploiters and the exploited, condition, even if one or two real by earmarking 33 % of the seats for mute spectators to assault on the concept of democracy cannot be representatives of the exploited women legislators or even raising women the same for all classes; the masses, that is, one or two the quota to 50 % since women Another important point to note democracy and the rights of the candidates of the revolutionary constitute half of the total Contd. on page 6 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 PAGE THREE CPI(M) does volte-face to oppose right to work “The UPA government will Prime Minister convened a meeting July 12 and requested him not to money to bear the proportionate immediately enact a National in Delhi on 29 June last to seek enact any law to confer this right of cost. But while giving plea of Employment Guarantee Act. This opinion of the states in formulating 100 days work on the have-nots and depleted state exchequer, the will provide a legal guarantee for at a scheme for implementing the destitutes. CPI(M) leaders suppressed the fact least 100 days of employment to agenda, Suryakanta Mishra, the This is how the CPI(M) leaders that there has not been any shortage begin with on asset creating public CPI(M) Panchayat and Health are fighting for the poor and of fund in providing various works programmes every year at Minister of , stood up creating pressure on the UPA subsidies and assistance to the minimum wages for at least one and opposed it. "This provision does government to give effect to the pro- industrialists and corporate houses, able-bodied person in every rural not match the actual position" - said people clauses of the NCMP! They nor has there been any dearth of urban poor and lower middle class Mishra (, Bengali are openly advocating to deny the showing amnesty to tax-defaulters household.” — says the National mouthpiece of the CPI(M) 30.6.04.) below poverty line poor the right to costing the government crores of Common Minimum Programme He further went on to add that "It is work, and that too for just 100 out rupees. Instances of pilferage and (NCMP) of the Congress-led UPA not possible to develop rural India of 365 days to one member of a squandering of public money are government duly endorsed by the without land reform. Land reform family — something hardly also not short in number. CPI(M), CPI and their associates. must be given priority." And then adequate even for bare subsistence. Then what would one conclude? The CPI(M) leaders claimed that came two more arguments from It is also not clear as to how the The CPI(M) leaders are masters in inclusion of this agenda in the him. issue of land reforms is linked to double-speak, deceiving the NCMP has been on account of their As per the scheme, 75 % of the this. The CPI(M) leaders owe an exploited downtrodden, unmoved insistence and such has been an financial assistance would be explanation to the people in this by recent starvation deaths, to serve unprecedented achievement. They provided by the central government regard. Had the CPI(M) leaders not the interest of the ruling capitalist even apprehended that the vested while the state government would scuttled the move, the Congress led class and its agents with a “left” interest would try its best to bear the remaining 25 % cost. UPA government, under public cloak and it is the prosperity of frustrate implementation of this pro- According to Mishra representing pressure, would have gone ahead the capitalist class that they pose poor agenda. Hence, they called CPI(M)-led West Bengal with appropriate legislation to enact as national development. Who upon the progressive forces to government, the empty coffer of the the provision. There is also another does then represent the vested remain alert and fight the opponents state government is unable to meet fallacy in the argument of the interest ? to this agenda both inside and this commitment. Further if CPI(M) bigwigs. If the CPI(M) The people must come forward outside the Parliament. Incidentally, guarantee for 100 days work is leaders think that this provision can and organize powerful movement to such a policy announcement has legalized, that would, Mishra not be effected unless land reforms compel the government enforce the been nothing new. The erstwhile observed, entitle a bonafide take place, then what stops them to guarantee to work, initially for the BJP government too had made such claimant to move the court against implement the same in West Bengal proposed 100 days, and, then policy declaration though the the government if he is not provided where they claim to have achieved a gradually increase the period to 365 people's demand has been for the stipulated employment. Even record success in this regard? days and that too, for every able guaranteeing work for 365 days at Budhhadeb Bhattacharya, the Perhaps to avoid this too obvious person in the family. If the CPI(M) appropriate remuneration. CPI(M) Politburo member and West but thoroughly embarrassing leaders come in the way, they would But then it has been a saga of Bengal Chief minister personally question, they have brought to the face public outrage and fury and of incredible volte-face. When the met the Union Finance Minister on fore the issue of running short of course the consequences.

Bangalore the rich imperialist powers such as USA, Japan, EU are aiding their Convention of agricultural labourers agricultural sector with heavy, Raitha Krishi Karmikara up by them. rally with their children in arms. hidden subsidies?’ — he questioned Sanghatane (RKS), the Karnataka Just before the convention a Thousands witnessed the rally with and asked whether these Unit of AIKKMS organized a State huge rally was held. The great appreciation. conditionalities are not applicable to Level Convention of peasants and processionists raised slogans against The Convention was inaugurated these countries. However the result agricultural labourers in Bangalore, the apathy of the governments by Comrade K. Radhakrishna, is unprecedented hike in the prices Town Hall, on 12 August last, to towards the toiling people. It was Karnataka State Secretary, SUCI. of agricultural inputs and so the discuss the implications of notable that many hundreds of rural The main speaker was Comrade agriculture itself has become costly. globalization, liberalization and women having travelled the whole Satyawan, All India Secretary, Thanks to the new import and export privatization and also to decide the previous night in the train, AIKKMS. He said, that the plight of policies of the government, future course of action to be taken enthusiastically participated in the the poor has worsened and the gap agricultural prices are falling so between the rich drastically that peasants are not and poor further getting back even whatever widened since the money has been spent on cultivation. implementation of So, finding no hope countless globalization, libe- peasants are resorting to suicide, he ralization and exclaimed with deep pain. privatization. Sub- Exposing the government’s sidies to agriculture duplicity, Comrade Satywan pointed have been out, that they while rendering help withdrawn on the to the rich industrialists are quite plea that the generous but have given up all the conditionalities of welfare schemes for the poor even WTO do not allow when they were groaning under A view of the procession of the peasants and agricultural labourers on the way to the Convention it. ‘If so how then Contd. on page 5 PAGE FOUR SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 PROLETARIAN ERA Comrade Shibdas Ghosh Memorial Day line of anti-capitalist socialist a distinguished mass leader said: On revolution as the correct guideline to this day we lost Comrade Shibdas Observed in the States overcome the present impasse. He Ghosh. When he was only 13, [ Further reports received are given below ] founded and then developed SUCI Comrade Ghosh joined the on Leninist principles as the genuine revolutionary line of the freedom Rohtak, Haryana theory and practice, thought and party of the proletariat, able to lead struggle of our country. He realized Haryana State Organizing work. For this, an arduous struggle the proletarian revolution. The in course of time that independence Committee of the SUCI organized should be released. Comrade Ghosh teaching of the great leader and was coming through compromise, as the memorial meeting at Rohtak, on released this arduous struggle. A teacher Marx inspiring Comrade a result people’s emancipation would August 6. The meeting was presided band of professional revolutionaries Shibdas Ghosh to conduct relentless not come. He showed that the then over by Comrade Satyawan, emerged who built this genuine struggle in his own life is that those undivided CPI had not developed at Secretary, Haryana State and the communist party, SUCI. These resolved to change society should all as a real communist party. So, he main speech was delivered by leaders had nothing other than change themselves first and this they built up SUCI as the genuine Comrade Krishna Chakraborti, revolution in their life. If old culture, can do only by leading their lives on communist party along with a member, Central Committee, SUCI. old thinking and individualism had the strength of higher proletarian handful of compatriots. At the outset, Comrade Anup Singh, remained, such a party could not culture and values. Otherwise, they Pointing to the international a senior member of State Organizing have been built up. Thus, CPI could would not be able to lead the situation she said : In the absence of Committee, addressed the meeting. not become a genuine communist proletarian revolution by dedication, the socialist camp the imperialists, The main speaker Comrade party although its leaders had made sacrifice and struggle alone. By particularly the US imperialists, are Krishna Chakraborti said that Fifth many sacrifices and had been honest applying this truth unwaveringly in starting war at will, have turned the August is the saddest day in our life, people. This struggle was hard but all aspects of his own life, Comrade UNO into a rubber-stamp and are when our beloved leader, teacher and possible. This correct process of Ghosh acquired the highest standard trampling upon the sovereignty of guide, the great Marxist thinker of building a communist party was the of proletarian character in this era of countries, killing thousands this era and the founder only guarantee to save the party from extremely reactionary individualism. including children and women, Secretary of our party, SUCI, had degeneration, which came later in On the occasion of his memorial day, helping terrorists in different breathed his last 28 years ago. Now, the CPSU, founded by Lenin and in we all must judge how far successful countries, clamping economic the party had spread all over the CPC founded by Mao. Comrade have we been in acquiring a high embargo, installing puppet country, showing the path not only Chakravorti wound up by saying that standard of communist character in governments by organizing coup. On to the Indian proletariat but also to our own emancipation was linked the way shown by him and to what fabricated charges, they sent troops the world proletariat. Comrade with the emancipation of the extent each of us have discharged our to Afghanistan and Iraq, causing Ghosh followed the Leninist working class. So we should have to role in advancing the revolutionary havoc there. The only ray of hope is principle of building a communist acquire proletarian culture and cause. Based on this criterion, if we that people have been bursting forth party — there can be no revolution Marxism. The more the development can achieve a higher proletarian against this aggression throughout without a revolutionary theory and of the culture, the more would be the culture on the one hand, while the world. In India, the SUCI, guided there can be no revolution without a development of thought and vice- intensifying the struggle for by the teachings of Comrade Shibdas revolutionary party. Because of not versa. developing mass movements on Ghosh, is conducting anti-imperialist following the correct process, united correct base political line as movement. CPI could not become a true Kottayam, Kerala complementary to anti-capitalist So the memorial day of Comrade communist party. It turned into a Under the auspices of the Kerala socialist revolution, then and then Shibdas Ghosh is the day to renew petty-bourgeois party and later split State Committee, a memorial only can we really pay our homage the pledge to carry forward the into the CPI, CPI(M), etc. It became meeting was held on 8th August at to the great leader of the proletariat, revolutionary movement. victim of left adventurism on one Amrutha Auditorium, Changana- Comrade Shibdas Ghosh. hand and of right opportunism on the cherry, Kottayam. Comrade Krishna In his presidential address, Bangalore, Karnataka other hand. Now, by putting the label Chakravorti, member, Central Comrade Shibshankar pointed out A memorial meeting was of secularism on Congress they are Committee of the party, was the main that in Bihar thousands of men, organized by the Karnataka State supporting the UPA government led speaker. Comrade C. K. Lukose, women and children have died this Committee on 5th August 2004 at by the Congress. By deceiving the Secretary, Kerala State Committee, year in the flood havoc. The state B.M. Sri Smaraka Bhavana at working people of the country these presided over the meeting. government has resorted to utter Bangalore. so-called communist parties stood Comrade Chakravorti appealed false propaganda denying its Participating in the programme fully exposed. to the comrades to dedicate criminal negligence and apathy to as the main speaker Comrade K. Continuing, Comrade Chakra- themselves whole-heartedly to the come forward and provide Radhakrishna, Secretary, Karnataka borti said that two things were two-fold struggle to build up class emergency relief materials with food State Committee, said : ‘‘Whenever necessary to be a good communist — and mass struggles on the one hand and rehabilitation on a war footing. the proletariat upholds its leaders firstly, a Marxist-Leninist outlook, and to acquire higher communist Our party, on the other, with its and conducts such memorial i.e. a dialectical materialistic character on the other. objective limitation, was trying its programmes, allegations are made approach not only in base political utmost to provide relief work that there is hero worship in the line but in every aspect of life, as Patna, Bihar through setting up relief and medical communist movement. But every because even after completion of The memorial meeting was held camps. political movement belonging to any revolution on the base political line, at IMA Hall in Patna on 12th August class, in the entire world projects its the revolutionary theory would with Comrade Shibshankar, Agartala, Tripura own leadership without which it can remain, secondly, those who would Secretary, Bihar State Committee On the occasion of 28th death never develop, far less achieve come forward to build up a presiding over. Comrade Ranjit anniversary of Comrade Shibdas victory. Hence the communist communist party would have to free Dhar, Central Staff of the party, was Ghosh, a meeting was organized on movement consciously projects its themselves from individualism and the main speaker. 5th August at Jaksha Nibaroni own leadership.’’Pointing out that it private property mental complex. In his analytical speech Comrade Samiti, Agartala. is the low level of consciousness Only those who could attain higher Dhar said : Comrade Shibdas Ghosh The main speaker Comrade within a party coupled with the proletarian culture, could integrate has left for us a well defined political Protiva Mukherjee, Central Staff and Contd. on page 5 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 PAGE FIVE Comrade Shibdas Ghosh Memorial Day Contd. from page 4 Comrade Shibdas Ghosh. Comrades speech, Comrade U.P. Biswas, organized at Mohali in Punjab with mechanical process of thinking that Ram Murti Maurya, Ushy Singh, explained the significance of the Comrade Avtar Singh, In-charge of is responsible for the birth of hero Jaiprakash Maurya, Raj Bahadur Pal observance of the 5th August. Punjab Unit in the chair. worship, he said, Comrade Ghosh also addressed the meeting. In the evening, at the party Comrade Pratap Samol, fought such non-Marxist trends Pratapgarh, UP office, the concluding programme Secretary, Delhi State Organizing allthrough his life. A memorial meeting was was held. Comrades listened to a Committee addressed the gathering The memorial meeting was organized by Pratapgarh District tape-recorded speech of Comrade as the main speaker. Others who presided over by Comrade M. N. committee of SUCI on 6th August at Shibdas Ghosh. The penetrating spoke on the occasion were Sriram, member, State Committee. Shivaji Shikshan Samsthan, analysis in the beloved voice of Comrades D.P. Singh, Prof. A. Sarsatpur (Patti). The meeting was Comrade Ghosh greatly inspired Dhabwal, Gurjendra Singh (Mansa), Hyderabad, AP presided over by District Secretary everybody present. The programme Than Singh (Patiala), Manu Kaushal Memorial day meeting was Comrade Bechan Ali and conducted was conducted by Comrade Bhabani (Roper), J. Sita (Chandigarh) and organized in Hyderabad party office by Comrade Raj Mani Ghosh, leading organizer of the Inder Singh, AIDSO organizer. on 8th August, 2004. Vishwakarma. The meeting was also party. Addressing the meeting addressed by Comrades Ram Kedar Guna, MP Berhampur, Orissa Comrade K. Sridhar, Secretary, the Verma and Pushpendra. The memorial meeting was held A memorial meeting of the State Organizing Committee said Jaunpur, UP on 10th August at the Jiwaji Library founder General Secretary of the that today Comrade Shibdas Ghosh’s Jaunpur District Committee of Hall. The main speaker was SUCI, an outstanding Marxist thoughts are the only way to develop SUCI organized a memorial meeting Comrade Pratap Samal. Comrade thinker of this era, Comrade Shibdas revolutionary movements not only in on 8th August at Sabhagar of Lokesh Sharma of Guna District also Ghosh was held at Comapalli, India but also in the whole world. Sultanat Bahadur Inter College, spoke. Berhampur, Orissa on 8th August. Comrade Ghosh’s thoughts are the Badlapur. The meeting was presided Gwalior, MP This meeting was presided over by concrete and enriched expression of over by District Committee member The 28th Death anniversary of Comrade Sishnu Dash, Organizing Marxism-Leninism in today’s Comrade Dinesh Kant Duvey and Comrade Shibdas Ghosh was Secretary of Ganjam District, SUCI conditions. conducted by Comrade Surendra observed in Gwalior on 9th August and Comrade Sankar Das Gupta, Internationally and nationally Nath Maurya. The main speaker of last in all solemnity. Comrade Pratap State Secretariat member, SUCI, also people’s life is becoming the meeting was Comrade V.N. Samal, Secretary, Delhi State was the main speaker. miserable being faced with acute Singh, Secretary, UP State Organizing Committee spoke on the economic crisis. After dismantling of Committee of SUCI. The meeting occasion. The other speaker was socialism in the USSR and other east was also addressed by Comrade Comrade Sunil Gopal. Bangalore European countries and also in Jagadish Chandra Asthana, District China, the imperialists, particularly Secretary, Jaunpur and Comrades Durg, Chhattishgarh the US imperialists are attacking Moti Lal, Sripal Dubey, Jagannath The memorial meeting of Convention small and weak countries Verma. Frederick Engels, the great leader of Contd. from page 3 unilaterally, trampling underfoot all Allahabad, UP the proletariat, and Comrade Shibdas severe drought for the last three the accepted international norms and A meeting was organized by Ghosh was held at Durg on 10th years. Moreover, the central values. Allahabad District Committee of August last amidst great enthusiasm. government is insisting that all the SUCI on 5th August at ‘Nirala Comrade Dipankar Ray, a state government amend the 'Land Chennai, Tamil Nadu Sabhaghar’. The meeting was distinguished organizer of the party Ceiling Act', so as to facilitate The memorial meeting was presided over by Comrade S.K. and a member of the West Bengal the rich capitalists' acquiring organized by the Tamil Nadu State Malaviya. The main speaker of the State Committee, as the main lands of the poor and middle Organizing Committee at Chennai meeting was Comrade N.K. Sharma, speaker, spoke on the different peasants to establish big farms to on 10th August at M.M. Hall, District Secretary of the party. He aspects of the teachings of Frederick cultivate cash crops. He also Strauhas Road. Comrade could not speak due to cancer in Engels and Comrade Ghosh. reminded that the governments are Narayanswamy, member, State throat. His written speech was read discouraging the cultivation of Organizing Committee, presided and out by Comrade Purnendu Shukla. Nagpur, Maharashtra foodgrains and are insisting that the Comrade Radhakrishna, Secretary, Comrades Deepak Ranjan Jha, On 5th August, a memorial peasants cultivate floriculture, Karnataka State Committee was the Suman Shukla and U. P. Biswas also meeting was held at the medicinal plants etc. This would main speaker. addressed the meeting. Rashtrabhasa Hall in Nagpur deplete the country's foodgrains in On 5th August red flag was Kanpur, UP commemorating the two giant the long run and make us beg before hoisted in the party office and The Kanpur District Organizing revolutionary leaders of world the USA and other mighty powers. portrait of Comrade Shibdas Ghosh Committee of SUCI organized a proletariat — Comrade Engels and He called upon the people to build garlanded. meeting on 8th August in the office Comrade Shibdas Ghosh. The up powerful mass movements under of the party at Satyam Vihar, veteran freedom fighter Shri the leadership of RKS. Sultanpur, UP Kalyanpur. The meeting was Bamanraoji, held in high esteem, The convention then adopted A meeting was organized by presided over by Comrade Raj Bali, graced the occasion as the president. three resolutions, with demands to SUCI District Committee, Sultanpur District Secretary of SUCI. The main Comrade Dipankar Ray spoke as the withdraw from WTO, complete on 5th August at Baintikalan village. speaker of the meeting was Comrade main speaker on behalf of SUCI. construction of pending irrigation The meeting was presided over by Swapan Chatterjee. The meeting was Besides Comrades Madhab Bhonde, projects, take action against seed District Secretary Comrade also addressed by Comrade Valendra Secretary, Nagpur and Papadka company which cheated the farmers Jagannath Verma and conducted by Katiyar. Guruji also addressed the in North Karnataka. Comrade H.V. Comrade Prakash Maurya. gathering. Diwakar, Secretary (RKS) The main speaker of the meeting Jabalpur, MP Karnataka presided over the was Comrade V.N. Singh, State As a part of memorial day Punjab convention. Comrade T.S. Suneeth Secretary of the party. He observance, the portrait of Comrade On 8th August a memorial Kumar, President of the highlighted the great teachings of Shibdas Ghosh was garlanded at the meeting on 28th death anniversary of Organization urged the participants Comrade Frederick Engels and party office in the morning. In a brief Comrade Shibdas Ghosh was to join RKS. PAGE SIX SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 PROLETARIAN ERA

point that no particular male individual can be held responsible Hypocrisy, Deception in the name for this, since the oppression is stemming from an impersonal system. The ruling capitalist class, of Women’s Reservation afraid of revolution, is trying to Contd. from page 2 legislatures in greater numbers and this way, to make them unequal, to keep the women, constituting half of here is that as regards the fast there ought not to be any numerical lower them into the status of weak, the population, away from the increasing incidence of molestation limit to the election of women second class citizens? revolutionary movement by all and torture of women, there seems legislators. It has been seen both in possible means. So, it has been to be no concern amongst those who our country, as well as other Protagonists of reservation trying to keep the women backward are champions of women’s countries, that whatever little themselves do not nominate at any cost, by cultivating reservation. Political parties which opportunity for development the 33% women revivalism to keep alive blind faith are so vocal for the demand for women got, they seized it, We are of the firm view that and age-old superstition in them and providing reservation to the women, overcoming all hurdles and simple increase of women through enlisting the support of the are all conspicuously silent on this obstructions and proved that they representatives in the legislatures males in this heinous work by question though they run the were not inferior to men in any way. having allegiance to bourgeois cunningly spreading anti-women governments at the Centre or in the Given the proper opportunity parties will in no way help malice. In such a situation, women states. Not to speak of building up a women can achieve everything that effectively confronting their will have to be conscious about powerful social movement to put an the men can do. If this is properly problems. Yet viewing the issue securing the support of men as a end to oppression of women, they realized, the issue can and should be from another angle we would like to very necessary precondition for are making no efforts to adopt viewed from another angle also. So raise another pertinent question. If success of women’s liberation adequate legal measures, or even to far men could enjoy the right of the proponents of 33 per cent movement; they will have to forge strictly enforce the existing laws to constituting even 100% of the reservation are so keen, why are fighting unity with the men by alleviate the miseries of the female membership of the Lok Sabha and they not, irrespective of whether the joining them in the movements on populace. And it is they who are the Vidhan Sabha - yet legally there proposed reservation is granted or the burning problems in people’s overflowing with sympathy for the is no bar for women to have the not, maintaining the said percentage life. Just as the toiling masses of all womenfolk and are so eager to same right. If we presume that in their nomination of candidates? sections irrespective of caste, creed provide seat-reservation to them! people can, to a large extent, ensure What prevents them from ensuring and language would have to avoid What can this be called except a free and fair election, in that that 33 percent of their nominees doing anything that might cause a mockery? But it is more than that. It situation under the given condition are women? It would go a long way rift in their fighting solidarity to reflects an evil design on their part the male candidates can, based on in increasing the number of elected build up united movement against to misdirect the growing their character, competence and female representatives in the exploitation and rule of the awareness among the women about enjoying the whole-hearted support legislatures. This exposes their real capitalist class, so also the the right course of action to of the people, and without being motive. They are not at all sincere womenfolk would have to shun remedy their burning problems, protected by any ‘reservation about getting the bill enacted. Each indulging in any such thing that taking the form of a movement. policy’, get elected not only in a of them is trying to best conceal its could hinder the forging of Improving their election prospects few but all seats by securing the own deceptive postures by holding fighting unity with the menfolk. is also the immediate object of votes of both male and female others guilty of default so as to There is no doubt that the proposed these parties’ demand for seat electorates. Then why would not a harvest election gains. The real measure for seat reservation for reservation. time come when on the same motive is to misdirect and obstruct women that the bourgeois and petty- In this backdrop, it is clear that considerations women candidates the movement for women’s bourgeois parties have brought even if the women are elected in may be chosen by the electorate in emancipation that is developing forward would seriously impede the large numbers to the legislature, ever growing numbers? May be this fast. process of forging this unity and there would be no end to the is not happening today but can such that is what the bourgeois parties growing miseries and ever a possibility be ruled out in future? Overthrow of capitalism — are after. So, the struggling women increasing onslaughts in various Particularly when female candidates only course to women’s must realize this damaging social spheres afflicting the life and are winning elections with the emancipation consequence of the proposed livelihood of the women. Obscene support of both male and female We have said earlier that the measure and foil this conspiracy at display of bare woman’s body voters, and are even making it to the urgent demand for emancipation of any cost. now having been converted into a highest position in government and the women from the male commodity of the capitalist market State - is there any way that such an dominated society is inextricably Reservation causes cleavage would continue unabated despite its eventuality can be dismissed linked up with achieving among people being so humiliating, so outrageous altogether? In view of this, to emancipation from the capitalist In this connection, another to the dignity of women. Only a arbitrarily limit the number of system. Therefore, in order to important point should be taken into united conscious democratic women candidates will bar this ensure success of the women’s consideration. In any society that is movement of the right-thinking future prospect by creating a emancipation movement, getting undivided, indivisible on the basis people, irrespective of their cleavage between men and women. involved in antagonistic of gender, any reservation measure, gender, can resist such pernicious Although we revolutionaries believe contradiction with the male segment by its very character, is bound to acts by the vested interests to in this profoundly, we know that of the exploited masses should be create cleavage. So, the adoption of commercially exploit the physique those who are talking about avoided under any circumstances. any such measure is not at all of women. reserving 33 % of the seats for the The movement should be conducted desirable from the perspective of the women will feel outraged on in such a way that firmer unity and interest of the united movement of Women no inferior to men hearing this because their secret greater harmony with the male the exploited masses for At the same time, to uphold the motive gets exposed thereby. So, population can be simultaneously emancipation unless and until there cause of the oppressed and why is it being attempted to restrict developed in jointly building up the is an overriding necessity for certain suppressed people it is also highly the women to 33 %? Why, while struggle against capitalism. No genuine reasons, and only on desirable that both men and women speaking about equality of men and doubt, the women are oppressed in condition that it would in no way deeply committed to the cause of women, in reality it is being the male-dominated society. But counter-pose the cause of united exploited have nots, enter the attempted, by alluring the women in there are no two opinions about the Contd. on page 7 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 PAGE SEVEN Only path of struggle can lead to equality Contd. from page 6 two. In post-independence India, in be obstructed if reservation assumed consider all these aspects and movement. All are aware that when view of the caste-enmity and the a permanent form. understand that this move is dictated the freedom movement against extremely backward condition of by the overriding interest of the British imperialism was rapidly the Dalits, reservation for the In joining struggle for social ruling capitalist class and its gaining strength in this country, the scheduled castes and scheduled change lies dignity and servitors to widen the disparity and imperialist rulers, in a bid to scuttle tribes was adopted in the spheres of honour of women division between men and women. it, instituted two separate electorates election and employment, viewing it But subsequently the bourgeois This clearly would open up the path for the Hindus and the Muslims in as a short-term measure. The political parties who rode to for some women mainly from the order to drive a wedge between the conscientious persons believing in governmental power in succession affluent segment to enter the two main communities of the the unity of all people and did nothing to initiate the process of legislature as representatives of country. Naturally the freedom democratic sense of values, doing away with the reservation some political parties serving fighters repudiated this British correctly realized the pernicious system. On the contrary, they took bourgeois class interest, but the conspiracy. effect of the measure but accepted it every initiative to extend the sphere essential task of making the women Secondly, take the case of the as a short-term measure, taking into of such reservation solely to create politically conscious, free them policy of reservation on the basis of consideration the peculiar their respective “vote-banks”. This from the bondage of household castes. Before independence, the circumstances prevailing at that inevitably led to fratricidal clashes work, as far as possible, and then exploitation of and oppression on time. It was their hope that after and bloodbath among the Dalits and nominate them in larger number as the so-called low-caste poor Hindus bringing about tangible non-Dalits. This evil motive and candidates for election and through by the so-called high-caste Hindus improvement in the life of the Dalit deceitful conduct of theirs are no this, ensure formidable presence of had reached such a level that it had masses within the shortest possible longer unknown to any one. Today, women in the legislature, would become difficult to unite the two time, it would come to an end. when these bourgeois parties are remain incomplete. The mentality of against the exploitation and rule of Even those who were protagonists brandishing the gift of reservation showing generosity towards the British imperialism. The national of this reservation policy were of seats for the women in the women by adopting the measure of bourgeois class that was leading the unanimous in holding that it would legislatures, the womenfolk must be seat reservation for them, freedom movement through the not be right to perpetuate the alert about the devastating considering them to be weak, has to Indian National Congress, because reservation policy in the very consequence of the proposed be discarded. And the women of its fear-complex of working class interest of all-round development of measure. They should also bear in having self-respect and dignity revolution, made no effort to unite the Dalit masses themselves. People mind another important point: the would have to contemptuously the Hindus of these two categories of all sections would have to step nature of contradiction between the reject this proposal for seat through a socio-cultural movement. forward in unison and struggle to women and the men is not similar to reservation springing from an Rather it tried to keep alive the advance towards an improved that existing between so-called high attitude of condescension. ground of dichotomy between the condition. This process was sure to and low caste people. There has In order to secure their rightful been no reflection of this place in the society, women must contradiction in the matter of come forward and engage AIKKMS, organizes nominating capable women themselves in building up a candidates for election. In many powerful democratic movement instances, deserving women along with the men, move shoulder dharna at Rohtak candidates have come out victorious to shoulder with the male Led by the Haryana Unit of All urged upon the Haryana Chief with the support of male voters populace in organizing both India Krishak & Khet Majdoor Minister for early completion of without facing any discrimination parliamentary and extra- Sangathan, peasants and agricultural construction work of S.Y.L. For based on gender bias. parliamentary struggle and in the workers staged a Dharna at Rohtak this purpose all-round people’s On the question of seat process achieve equality with the recently. A memorandum was support needs to be mobilized reservation, the women have to men in all spheres. submitted to the Chief Minister against the central government to through the Dy. Commissioner, bring pressure on it and make it Rohtak. accede to the just and legitimates Demonstration at Muzaffarpur Addressing the huge gathering, demand of the people. Framing a 1st August the SUCI took out a After burning effigy, Comrade Comrade Anoop Singh condemned coherent pro-people national water procession in Muzaffarpur and Md. Idrish, addressed the meeting the Punjab Agriculture Produce sharing policy was the key for burnt effigy of the Prime Minister saying that like the former NDA Market (Haryana Amendment) Bill, amicable solution in this regard, he Manmohan Singh protesting against government the present UPA 2004 framed by Haryana said. the increase in the price of petrol government has been following the government to introduce contract In the memorandum, it was and diesel and allowing the same anti-people policies. There farming and demanded its immediate demanded to scrap the burden of petroleum companies to fix prices was no fundamental difference withdrawal. heavy loans since the peasants are of the petroleum products. The between NDA and UPA. This has Comrade Satyawan, State not in a position to repay it. Report participants in the procession were been the second price hike in Secretary of the AIKKMS, severely by the National Sample Survey shouting slogans like ‘roll back the the petroleum products in only condemned the CPI(M)-CPI for their Organization also corroborates this price of hike of petrol and diesel’, forty five days. The prices of all support to the Congress which is contention. 'build up mass movement against the necessary articles and conspiring to start fratricidal clashes The Dharna was presided over the anti-people policies of the UPA consumerist goods would go up between the peoples of Haryana and by Comrade Ramparshad, a veteran government. The procession was owing to the hike of the prices of Punjab. He described the termination peasant leader. Other prominent led by Comrade Md. Idris, Comrade petroleum products. He appealed of mutual agreements on sharing of leaders who spoke included Ramyash Mishra, both District the honest workers of the CPI , river water between neighbouring Comrades Zile Singh (Bhiwani), committee members, SUCI, CPI(M) and the progressive states including Haryana by the Vijai Kumar (Rewari), Kartar Singh Comrade Biswanath Gupta, thinking people to build up mass Congress led Punjab government, as (Jhajjar), Jai Karan (Sonepat), member, Panchayat Samiti, movements against the anti-people a game of nasty politics in which the Amarjeet (Bhiwani), Balbir Singh Comrade Naresh Ram and Comrade policies of the Congress-led central BJP was also fully involved. He (Mahendragarh) Argun Kumar. government. Postal Regd. No. SSRM/KOL/RMS/WB/RNP-145/2004-06 Regd. No. 13932/67 Central TUs Observe National Demands Day New Delhi is a clear case of refusal on the part working people, one after another. organized on the occasion of All In response to the call given by of the government to even Even the state government India Protest Day sponsored by All the Central Trade Unions and compensate for the rapid erosion of supporting the central Congress led Central Trade Unions of 20th Federations to observe 20th August, value of money being caused due to government is providing red carpet August at Bhubaneswar E.P.F. 2004 as the National Demands Day price hikes. The government can welcome to FDI investment in the office. In front of the E.P.F. office to press 7-point demands Delhi State write off, in effect, loans of state while opposing in the same under the Presidentship of Comrade Units of UTUC-LS, HMS, UTUC, thousands and thousands of crores breath the central government’s Govinda Moharana, Vice-President, TUCC, AICCTU, AITUC, CITU of rupees taken by the corporate invitation to FDI participation in the UTUC-LS, State Committee, a and the Federations including the houses and their outstanding taxes Civil Aviation and Insurance sector. meeting was held where Comrade Joint Platform of Action (JPA) of several thousands of crores of Similar joint meetings were also Sambhunath Naik, Secretary, organized a massive demonstration rupees but the refuses to pay the held at Burnpur, Durgapur, Purulia, UTUC-LS, Orissa State Committee of workers and employees before the legitimate dues of the workers on Jalpaiguri and elsewhere. and Comrade Raghunath Das, Parliament on the day. On this the plea that the rate of interest Secretary, AIKKMS, Orissa State occasion, a meeting was held. On would be determined by market Bhubaneswar, Orissa Committee addressed. A behalf of the presidium composed forces. The workers do not deposit On behalf of UTUC-LS Orissa memorandum was handed over to of representatives of central trade in P. F. for business purpose but as State Committee a mass rally was the Regional Commissioner II. unions, Comrade R. K. Sharma of a provision for their future which is UTUC-LS conducted the meeting. attended with uncertainty and

Anti-imperialist Demonstration on 27 August, 2004 in Calcutta (above) and on 26 August in Bhubaneswar, Orissa (below) in solidarity with the Trial of Bush in the Iraq War Crime Tribunal in the People’s Court in New York. A part of the huge rally in New Delhi on 20 August, 2004 The 7-point demand charter, various risks. Hence we must resist inter alia, included restoration of these attacks and build up united 12% interest for EPF, GPF, PPF sustained movement followed by a deposits and small savings, social one day nationwide Industrial Strike security and legislation for the in the first phase.’’ Comrade Pandhe unorganized sector including also in his speech opined in favour agricultural workers, no of the one-day Industrial strike. enhancement of FDI in Telecom, Civil Aviation and Insurance Calcutta, West Bengal Sectors, scrapping of de-reservation The rally organized in Calcutta of the items reserved for SSI and was addressed by Comrades revival of sick Units, etc. Shankar Saha (UTUC-LS), Kali Among the speakers who Ghosh (CITU), Ranjit Guha addressed the massive gathering (AITUC), Ashoke Ghosh (TUCC), were Comrades Achintya Sinha among others. Website for the Party (UTUC-LS), Swapan Mukherjee Comrade Shankar Saha in his Our party SUCI has announced that a website (AICCTU), M. K. Pandhe (CITU), brief analytical speech said : www.suciweb.org D. L. Sachdev (AITUC), Abani Roy Governments change, but policy (UTUC), Harbhajan Singh (HMS) doesn’t. We in the Sponsoring has been launched to facilitate dissemination of the Rampratap (TUCC) and Ramananda Committee, fought against NDA revolutionary ideas of the party, more particularly the (UF-BEU). government’s economic and revolutionary thoughts of Comrade Shibdas Ghosh, the Comrade Achintya Sinha, industrial policies tooth and nail founder General Secretary of the party and one of the Secretary, UTUC-LS said : because of its anti-people, anti- foremost Marxist thinkers of this era. reduction of interest on various PF working class policies. Turn of For the moment seven major published works of Comrade schemes is a severe attack on social events have unfolded a situation to Ghosh and the issues of Proletarian Era starting from January security as a whole and has far stage a comeback by the Congress reaching adverse implication in at the Centre with the help of others 1, 2004, can be viewed. The site will be updated on the second socio-economic life. Not to speak of and now it is the Congress again and sixteenth day of every month and on all important paying interest in the real sense, this which mounts attacks on the occasions. Suggestions for improvement are welcome.

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