Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat alleged here on Friday that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is trying to “intervene in the country’s education sector.”
He was speaking at the CPI (M) State committee meeting that concluded earlier in the evening.
Referring to the appointment of Yellapragada Sudershan Rao as the new Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Mr. Karat alleged that he had argued “in favour of the caste system.” He pointed out that Mr. Rao had “no recognition” as a historian. His appointment had been questioned by several eminent historians.
Mr. Karat also alleged that the Narendra Modi-led government was acting according to “RSS’ suggestions.”
Expressing his concern over the alleged “effort to create communal tension” in several parts of the country, he claimed that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was preparing to launch “communal campaign on some issues.” He urged party workers and Leftist organisations to be at the forefront of the “ideological struggle against communalism.” He also said that the CPI (M) was trying to unify several Left parties and Left-minded individuals, and emphasised that “even though there are ideological differences there should be an earnest effort to unify the Leftist forces.”
He criticised the Centre for its proposed hike in the upper limit of foreign investment in the insurance sector as well as for “deciding to allow foreign investment in the Railways, infrastructure and defence”. Mr. Karat alleged that process of disinvestment in State-owned organisations had started. CPI (M) State secretary Biman Basu urged the party’s mass organisations to be more “pro active” and focus on safeguarding the interest of slum dwellers and tribals. He pointed out the need to include more women in the party as many of them were at the forefront of protest programmes.
The CPI (M) State Committee expressed condolence over the death of eminent writer Nabarun Bhattacharya. Mr. Bhatacharya had criticised CPI (M) several times in his works.
