Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 January 2024
In a meeting held at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Port Blair, on the afternoon of January 12, 2024, members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and active functionaries of mass organisations gathered to discuss various issues affecting the nation. Approximately 200 individuals participated in the event, where Prakash Karat, a Polit Bureau Member of CPI (M), addressed the audience.
One of the key points highlighted by Prakash Karat was the construction of the Ram Mandir, which he asserted had transformed into a state-sponsored project, contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive to establish a Trust for the purpose. Karat expressed concern over the involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the religious ceremonies, stating that the inclusion of nearly 100 top corporate figures in the inauguration further emphasised the event’s political nature.
Karat emphasized the constitutional principle that the state should not favour any specific religion, calling the Ram Mandir inauguration a departure from the secular values enshrined in India’s Constitution. He also alleged the targeting of minority communities by the Sangh Parivar across the country, citing instances of displacement and violence in Manipur.
Drawing attention to the alleged overall deteriorating conditions in the nation, Karat lamented the rise in unemployment, escalating prices, attacks on minorities, and the curbing of press freedom. Describing the BJP government as functioning in an autocratic manner, he urged the need for the removal of the Modi government to safeguard the unity of the country and protect secularism.
Addressing the situation in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Karat noted an increasing threat from divisive forces and called on islanders to maintain unity, referring to the region as “Mini India.” He criticised the contradictory stance of the local Congress MP, who endorsed the Ram Temple inauguration through big hoardings despite the Congress High Command deciding to distance itself from the event.
Karat praised the achievements of the working class in the islands, attributing them to the efforts of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leadership. He urged CPI (M) party workers to strengthen their presence in the islands, emphasising the need to combat divisive forces, corruption, and various issues affecting the people.