Sir,
I am writing in response to the statement of the CC of the CGPI dated March 17, 2017 and carried in the March 15-3, 2017 issue of MEL “Elections have been used to manufacture a “mandate” for the big bourgeoisie’s agenda”.
This statement comes on the heels of the election results, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP has claimed to have had a landslide victory with a huge majority in the Assembly, as well as in Uttarakhand and a victory in Goa. The statement points out that alarmingly this will also mean an increase in its share in Rajya Sabha, while it already has a huge majority in the Lok Sabha. Stated differently, it becomes essentially a one party dictatorship. Such a overwhelming parliamentary domination by a single party has not been seen for decades.
What lies behind this seemingly popular mandate for the BJP, which has coasted to this kind of power, especially with the backing of big money, and with a vicious political climate? What are the objectives of those who are behind this victory? It may also be noted that such a victory has been made possible only by splintering the popular vote between other parties, which have been divided presumably at the behest of the same powers that have unified and backed the BJP. What will be seen is the passage of many bills especially in the land reform sector, various financial reforms that big business and international interests have been clamouring for. This also comes at a time when men and women of conscience have been energized across the country to fight against the tyranny of so-called nationalists, including students’ and women’s organizations, as well as of working classes who have been fighting against the intensification of their exploitation as well as peasantry which has been facing atrocious conditions, as well as those protesting against oppression of minorities and nationalities that constitute India. The big bourgeoisie which considers all the land of the country, and all the people in it as its chattel is happy with the outcome of the election, and clearly they are behind it. They plan to take India to the big table of imperial powers and vie for status of a big power, riding on the backs of the people of India, using the labour of its people, and plundering the natural resources for their own enrichment. This is clear from the statements emanating from all the big business houses and their champions.
The present political system which ensures that the people have no power, and that the results of elections are anything but the mandate of the people, now calls for its overthrow to be replaced by one that is led by the working people of India. The task is to work towards such a state of affairs. I second the call of the CC to `…build and strengthen our fighting unity and foil the divisive plots of the ruling class.’
S. Nair,
Kochi