Despite attack on Pansare, CPI to hold convention this week

CPI on Wednesday said that despite an attack on party's senior leader Govind Pansare and his wife two days ago, it would go ahead with a state-level convention in the city this week as a "strong reply" to the attackers.

"The attack on veteran CPI leader Govind Pansare and his wife is condemnable and regrettable. But the 22nd state convention of the CPI will be held in Kolhapur as per schedule between February 21 and 23. The party office-bearers took a decision in this regard and it will be our strong reply to the forces who attacked the Pansare couple," CPI state secretary Dr Bhalchandra Kango told reporters here today.

The convention will open with a keynote address by party's national general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy.

On Monday, 78-year-old Pansare, who was at the forefront of a campaign against road toll tax, and his wife Uma were shot at and critically wounded by the assailants. The Communist leader received three gunshot injuries in the neck, armpit and on the right leg near the knee.