Nilambur bypoll: LDF's M Swaraj declares assets worth Rs 63 lakh in affidavit
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New Indian Express
29 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Leniency for convicts, misuse of UAPA draw flak at CPI conference
PATHANAMTHITTA: In a strong critique of the state home department, the district conference of the CPI in Pathanamthitta has raised concerns over the misuse of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the provision of 'lenient conditions' for high-profile jail convicts including Kodi Suni, the prime accused in the T P Chandrasekharan murder. The political report, presented at the three-day meet being held in Konni, asked the ruling front to ensure fairness in the system. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, in his address, also took aim at the home department, cautioning the LDF government against the indiscriminate use of UAPA. Referring to the cases of Alan Shuhaib and Taha Fazal, Viswam said: 'Cases can be registered when there are valid reasons, but the government should not appear as one that keeps people in jail indefinitely under UAPA. That is the CPI policy.' He also cited the plight of Maoist leader Roopesh, who reportedly had to go on a hunger strike to publish a book, despite the Supreme Court having affirmed prisoners' right to do so. 'Kerala should not become a state that permanently detains citizens. CPI cannot accept this. UDF and BJP can do it, the Left government should not,' he stressed. The report highlighted that top police officers like ADGP Ajith Kumar are even disregarding ministerial directives. The report further criticised nepotism in Kudumbashree-linked appointments and warned that political welcoming of those accused under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and even POCSO could trigger public backlash. While acknowledging significant modernisation in the health sector, the CPI report called for better administrative discipline at the senior level. 'Kudumbashree is a major women's empowerment initiative, but placing its members directly in government departments without going through PSC (Public Service Commission) or employment exchange can raise fairness concerns and affect departmental functioning. Strong financial discipline is essential to avoid irregularities,' the report noted. Environmental concerns — including quarrying, soil removal, and paddy field reclamation — were also flagged, with the party calling for tighter vigil. The report also criticised the functioning of the animal husbandry department. On the national front, the CPI accused the RSS of attempting to portray itself as the 'apostles of the country' while glorifying leaders like Vinayak Savarkar 'who apologised to the British six times'. It also warned against Christian priests maintaining ties with the BJP, saying 'wolves in sheep's clothing' must be identified. The district meet will conclude on Saturday.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CPI deplores Modi's praise of RSS as largest NGO
VIJAYAWADA: State CPI secretary K Ramakrishna strongly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks made during the Independence Day celebrations, calling them an insult to the spirit of the occasion, and the sacrifices of freedom fighters. Speaking on the significance of Independence Day, which symbolises the sacrifices, martyrdom, and struggles of the Indian people, he expressed deep disappointment over Modi's comments from the ramparts of Red Fort. He slammed Modi for praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organisation with a history of divisive ideologies, as the world's largest NGO. He described this as an attempt to distort history, and a direct affront to the legacy of freedom fighters. 'Using the Independence Day platform, meant to reflect national unity, brotherhood, and democratic values, to promote a single group's agenda is unacceptable,' he said. 'Pulivendula bypoll a mockery of democracy' Ramakrishna accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating actions that weaken democracy in AP. He cited ZPTC bypolls in Pulivendula and Vontimitta as evidence of this ugly trend.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
PM praising RSS during a national event unacceptable: Thiruma
SALEM: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments praising the RSS in his Independence Day address, VCK chief Thol Thirumalavan said, "The RSS has repeatedly been banned for its divisive activities and is known for pushing hate politics against minorities, dividing people on religious lines, and consolidating votes through caste pride. Praising such a movement during a national event is completely unacceptable and shocking." Speaking at the 26th State Conference of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Salem on Friday, he warned that democracy in India is under threat and called for unity among all democratic forces. "Democracy must win, and fascist politics must fall. Today, democracy is fighting for its very survival against Sanatan ideology," he said, and urged political parties and activists to work together to safeguard secular and democratic traditions. Criticising the privatisation of sanitation work in Chennai, Thirumavalavan urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to formally recognise sanitation workers as government employees. Meanwhile, he welcomed the welfare measures announced for workers, including insurance cover, free breakfast schemes, educational assistance, and subsidies for self-employment. The CPI's 26th State Conference, to be held till August 18 at Nehru Kalai Arangam in Salem, was inaugurated by CPI's national secretariat member Amarjit Kaur, and was presided over by CPI state secretary Mutharasan. The opening included the ceremonial arrival of the party flag, the lighting of the "sacrifice flame," and floral tributes to MK Gandhi's statue. Stalin and alliance leaders will speak at a public meeting on August 16, and the party's resolutions will be passed on August 17.
