High prices of essential commodities, growing unemployment, floods, drought and food security would figure prominently when top CPI(M) leaders meet here on Sunday.
The CPI(M) Politburo is expected to give final touches to a “rectification document” to deal with organisational problems. The document is expected be adopted by the party’s Central Committee at a three-day conclave later this month.
The party leadership is likely to draw up plans for nationwide campaign and agitations in the next few weeks on these issues as also on economic policy matters like social security for unorganised workers and moves to “privatise” profit-making state-owned units.
They would also discuss the situation in West Bengal arising out of a large number of killings of its leaders and supporters by Maoists in the recent past.
On price rise and other issues, party General Secretary Prakash Karat and other leaders, campaigning in Maharashtra and Haryana for assembly elections, have lashed out at the UPA government for its “failure” to curb prices through steps like banning future trading in foodgrains and universalising public distribution system.
The proposed document would come out with steps to stem the organisational rot while dealing with issues ranging from factionalism and ideological deviation to corruption and even “sabotage” of candidates, CPI (M) sources said.
Issues relating to the “disconnect” between the Left-led governments of West Bengal and Kerala and the party’s line and political priorities would also find a significant place in the document.
“We have to pin-point our organisational weaknesses and work for their rectification. We will have to discuss and assess the causes threadbare so that a concrete document is prepared for action. It will be a self-critical evaluation,” the sources said.
Major organisational drawbacks identified include alienation of peasantry and minorities in West Bengal, neglect of work among rural poor, more dependence on the government administration rather than mass mobilisation in Left-ruled states, arrogance and bureaucratic attitude among its leaders and cadres.
Corruption, nepotism, the influence of money and caste and even “sabotage of candidates” has also been identified as reasons for the electoral debacle, the sources said.
They said the party has not been fully able to protect its cadre to threats posed by Maoists in certain parts of West Bengal.
A large number of CPI(M) workers have been killed in Maoist attacks before and after the recent assembly polls, while the extremist threat has forced many of its supporters to leave the party in some areas.
The extent to which the recommendations made in the document are implemented is expected to be significant as the assembly elections are due in both West Bengal and Kerala next year.
