Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 October 2024
The 5th Port Blair City Area Conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) took place at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Sri Vijaya Puram on October 20, 2024. The event commenced with the hoisting of the party flag by D. Hemalatha, Secretary of the CPI(M) Port Blair City Area Committee, followed by floral tributes to martyrs at the Martyrs Memorial Column.
The Conference was inaugurated by D. Ayyappan, Secretary of the CPI(M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee. In his inaugural address, Ayyappan highlighted the current global crises, expressing concern over the growing threat posed by imperialist forces. He drew attention to the ongoing war in Palestine, which has claimed the lives of nearly 100,000 people since its escalation on October 7, 2023. Ayyappan also referenced the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the United States is utilizing Ukraine to further its strategic objective of weakening and containing Russia.
Reflecting on international political shifts, Ayyappan hailed the recent victories of socialist and communist parties across various nations. He emphasized the significance of Anura Dissanayake’s election as Executive President of Sri Lanka, seeing it as a signal that people are seeking alternatives to capitalist systems and are inclined towards socialism.
On the domestic front, Ayyappan criticized the policies of the third-term Modi government, predicting no shift in its pro-corporate, neoliberal agenda. He pointed to the introduction of three new criminal laws and the use of central agencies to target opposition leaders as evidence of the BJP’s intent to continue on an authoritarian path. Ayyappan also condemned the government’s handling of post-election setbacks, alleging that widespread attacks on minorities and the passage of anti-minority laws in BJP-ruled states followed its recent losses in the Parliament elections.
Ayyappan raised alarms about the BJP’s “One Nation, One Election” proposal, warning that if implemented, it could undermine the parliamentary democratic system and the federal structure of the country.
Shifting focus to local issues, Ayyappan expressed dissatisfaction with the governance of the BJP-led administration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He voiced concerns about the ongoing power cuts, deteriorating road conditions, corruption, and the authoritarian style of functioning displayed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Administration.
During the conference, senior CPI(M) leader and former Secretary of the State Organising Committee, K.G. Das, directed criticism at both the Congress and BJP for their roles in abolishing the Pradesh Council without providing a UT-level democratic setup in the islands. Das also raised concerns about the deteriorating healthcare system in the region, pointing out the lack of life-saving drugs in hospitals run by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
D. Hemalatha presented the Secretary’s report, detailing the party’s activities and progress in the Port Blair urban area over the past three years. The report sparked an active discussion among participants, leading to the adoption of several resolutions on key issues.
Additionally, senior leader P. Banerjee presented a condolence resolution during the event, while D. Laxman Rao, State Secretariat Member of the CPI(M), also addressed the gathering.