CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat has called for an integrated fight against the Hindutva and neoliberal forces by projecting the Kerala model of promoting the public sector as a case in point.
Addressing a seminar on “25 years of financial sector reforms” organised by the AKG Study and Research Centre in association with the Bank Employees Federation of India and All India Insurance Employees Association here on Saturday, Mr. Karat said the Hindutva forces were being used to buttress the neoliberal polices by the ruling class that had evolved a consensus among them for pursuing it with a renewed vigour.
The only exemption was during the tenure of the United Front and the United Progressive Alliance-I governments when the Left parties acted as a major deterrent. The latest Economic Survey had painted a bleak picture in terms of industrial production, agriculture growth, and other sectors. The country had not yet recovered from the global recession in 2007.
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In this context, the Hindutva forces and the Indian bourgeoisie had struck an accord for stepping up privatisation in an unprecedented manner. This extended from defence production and railways to district hospitals, schools and colleges, he said citing a recent speech of NITI Aayog chief executive Amitabh Kant.
Such moves were being made when countries such as England were moving towards renationalisation on the basis of their experiences of implementing neoliberal policies, he said.
The 222 licences issued for joint ventures with private companies, including Ambanis and Adani, in defence production would have a bearing on national security and integrity. Neither the BJP nor the RSS had any concern for national security or sovereignty, he said.
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Noted economist C.P. Chandrasekhar delivered the keynote address. CPI(M) State unit secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan presided.