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Journalism of Courage
Anti-Americanism may become a key aspect of the CPI(M) party congress beginning next week. The latest warning issued by the Politburo is a pointer — the party does not want the UPA regime to buy the aircrafts being offered by the US government.
Already in the draft political resolution, which has been discussed at all state conferences and will be adopted in the Delhi congress next week, American foreign policy has been singled out as the cause behind most of the world’s recent woes. The US policy in Iraq has been lambasted in the draft.
The CPI(M) is feeling buoyed enough with its increased tally in the Lok Sabha. It has been toasted by other Communist parties in the world too; Latin American and European parties have started taking the CPI(M) seriously for building a massive organisation in a democratic set-up. The recent visit of Venezuelan ruler Hugo Chavez was also a morale booster for the party.
The CPI(M) is well aware that under these changed global circumstances, the glueing factor among Marxists across the world is a degree of anti-Americanism. That was what Karat probably felt when he visited Caracas a few months back. Sitaram Yechury also witnessed a similar dislike for a ‘‘hegemonistic’’ US among European reds at the Portuguese Communist Party congress.
‘‘The game of the Bush administration is clear. It intends to draw India into a strategic military relationship just as Pakistan has been involved in one for decades,” the Politburo statement said. ‘‘The fuelling of the arms race between India and Pakistan with the sale of sophisticated weaponry to both countries suits the US interests…as well as providing a good market for its arms manufacturers.’’
The CPI(M) demanded that India ‘‘outrightly reject’’ the proposal to enter the National Missile Defence System as it will be tantamount to ‘‘becoming a junior partner of the US…acceptance of these offers will also adversely impact India-Pakistan relations.’’ The Politburo concluded on a predictable note — India should forge ties with all major countries, including China. ‘‘An independent policy is also required to ensure the gas pipeline project between India, Pakistan and Iran goes ahead,’’ the Politburo stressed.
