CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and former secretary Prakash Karat has called for a twin battle against communalism and neo-liberalism.
Addressing a seminar on ‘25 years of Neo-liberal Polices’ here on Friday as part of the CPI(M) State conference, he said that Hindutva communalism and neo-liberalism were growing by feeding each other.
“In 1991, the year the liberalisation process began, we witnessed the growth of the BJP as the biggest Opposition party. Neo-liberalism encourages identity politics by dividing people on the lines of religion, caste, and race,” he said.
“Communalism has grown along with neo-liberalism in our country. All corporates are ardent supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have to fight the nexus between Hindutwa communalism and neo-liberalism. BJP and RSS are drawing strength from corporates.
“The Hindu Rashtra, as demanded by the RSS, will be nothing but a neo-liberal authoritarian communal Hindutva regime,” Mr. Karat observed.
The CPI(M) leader said that the entire resources of the country were open for exploitation by both Indian and foreign capital.
“Inequalities have grown. People have to spend enormous amount of money for education, health, and other services. These are the ways in which inequality has grown in the country,” he added.
Environmental issues
Neo-liberal policies were implemented with greater vigour after the Modi government came to power. The growing environmental problems are directly linked to the predatory neo-liberal policies. Capital forces exploit natural resources ruthlessly, the CPI(M) leader said.
Neo-liberalism is not just about economic policies. It has a direct impact on the political system. More and more parties are coming under the grip of money and capital, he said.
“Our fight is against the ruling class consensus on these policies. The unity of working class, farmers and oppressed sections is needed for this fight. We need to reverse these policies,” Mr. Karat said.
“Neoliberalism itself is in crisis in the world. Discontent is growing in countries, which first initiated the neo-liberal policies. In India, we have to develop the broadest unity of all sections of people who are affected by neo-liberal policies,” Mr. Karat observed. CPI(M) veteran V.S. Achuthanandan, who presided over the function, also highlighted the need to intensify fight against neo-liberal policies.
Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, and JD(U) leader M.P. Veerendrakumar spoke.
