The legacy of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will live on in India through the formation of a ‘Venezuela solidarity committee’, said Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat. Speaking at a function organised to pay homage to the late president, he said: “Venezuela embarked on a path of social transformation which is unique as it inspired the advance of all Left forces in Latin America. This path was chosen by the people of Venezuela through a democratically elected government.”
After the death of Mr. Chavez it is important to express our solidarity with the revolutionary progress of the Venezuelan people and their continued social transformation, he said. “The purpose of the committee is to mobilise the Indian people in supporting the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”
The committee, which will comprise prominent intellectuals and representatives from various political parties, will mobilise support for the people of Venezuela. “We will hold meetings and react to what emerges in Venezuela.”
Among those who paid homage to Chavez were Venezuelan Ambassador to India Milena Santana – Ramirez, CPI (M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury, Dipankar Bhattacharya from CPI –ML, Revolutionary Socialist Party leader Abani Roy and noted academic Achin Vanaik.