CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Subhashini Ali has cautioned against attempts by the ruling class to use neoliberal policies for exploiting the poor and dividing society on caste and communal lines to wrest and retain power at the Centre.
Inaugurating the golden jubilee conference of the Kerala Gazetted Officers Association (KGOA) here on Saturday, Ms. Ali said the neoliberal policies being pushed on the premise of customs and traditions were sowing the seeds of inequality and disharmony in society.
During the past two decades, the market has become a dominant force wielding the power to influence personal relations in society and even in families. Conduct of weddings and even other social functions had become expensive and unaffordable for the poor and the marginalised.
Everything was now being determined by the market. This undue thrust being given to the neoliberal policies has had its bearing on all segments of society.
Wealth and power were getting concentrated in the hands of a few people, she said.
The State was gradually withdrawing from every crucial sector and the people were being made to compete openly. The poor were unable to face the competition. They were being forced to work for meagre wages and pushed to despair and desolation. About 10 to 15 farmers committed suicide every day. No remedial actions were being taken by the Centre, Ms. Ali said.
The Central government was opposed to an atmosphere for liberal discussions, spirit for questioning, and progressive thinking prevailing in government universities and deemed it as a threat to its existence. She called upon mass and class organisations to fight against such policies.
Reception committee chairperson T.N. Seema welcomed the gathering. Association president K.M. Dileep, general secretary T.S. Reghulal, CPI(M) State secretariat member Anathalavattom Anandan, and district secretary Anavoor Nagappan were present.
