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Journalism of Courage
The CPM sent strong signals today that it would not rock the UPA Government under any circumstances. The high-pitched criticism of the Government8217;s economic policies on the eve of the Politburo four days ago were toned down when the party released its Central Committee statement today.
True, the party has given a call for a national campaign for a week from August 25. But of the 11 issues to be highlighted during the campaign, the first three8212;as prioritised by the CPM8212;underline the 8216;8216;danger posed by the BJP-RSS combine seeking to revive the communal agenda8217;8217;.
And appended to it will be the slogan 8216;8216;Stop privatisation of the profit-making Delhi and Mumbai airports8217;8217;.
The fact that the CPM is only launching a countrywide campaign and not threatening any drastic action is clear indication that the Left does not want to appear to be a spoiler. The Central Committee reiterated its position on FDI caps in the three sectors of telecom, insurance and airports.
But the wording was much less strident8212;in fact, polite. For example, in respect to telecom FDI, the CPM only 8216;8216;voices its opposition.8217;8217; Regarding insurance it says, 8216;8216;The insurance sector is vital for generating resources for the country8217;s development and the bulk of it should not be handed over to foreign private companies.8217;8217;
On airports, the statement says, 8216;8216;The Central Committee wants the UPA government to adhere to the process set out in the CMP and reconsider the matter.8217;8217;
All the threats to block FDI-related legislation in Parliament have not been mentioned at all. It is obvious that the CPM is attaching a lot of significance to the proposed UPA-Congress coordination committee. The meeting has been rescheduled on August 4.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would attend the meeting along with the six nominees of the Left. The rest of the members would vary in accordance with the issue being discussed. Depending on the problem, the minister concerned would be brought on board.
In fact, to underline its priorities, the CPM purposefully began its statement with an angry outburst against the BJP. It was a deliberate ploy to place on record that the CPM considers BJP Enemy No 1. And the party lashed out at BJP for its boycott of the Parliamentary committees. It also spoke of the need to 8216;8216;counter such Hindutva-oriented manoeuvres and safeguard people8217;s unity8217;8217;.
If the party was really critical of the UPA, it was on diesel and petrol prices. In fact, as Prakash Karat, the party8217;s senior leader and politburo member, made it clear the party was launching an agitation on the issue from tomorrow itself. The Delhi unit of the CPM would take out a rally.
