Finding itself increasingly under attack from the Maoists in West Bengal, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has decided to turn to its cadres for the bitter battles that lie ahead.
“We know that we are under attack in areas where we have a political presence and we will fight it out through our cadre,” party general secretary Prakash Karat said. “We feel that it (the fight against Maoists) is not a function of only the administration and the security forces, but has to be fought politically and we are prepared for that.”
Karat was speaking at the three-day meeting of the CPI(M) central committee in Delhi, which was called to finalise the ‘rectification document’ that seeks to fight the enemies within the party: ideological dilution and behaviourial laxity. But the Maoists’ attacks on Marxist cadre in Bengal dominated the agenda.
“The Maoists attacks are a clear attempt at deligitimising a legimitate Left force through intimidation and propaganda and collaboration with elements supporting this UPA government,” Karat said. “Maoists aren’t a Left force. We’re conscious of our differences with them, it’s time everyone else is too,” Karat said.
Karat tried to deflect questions on the recent swap deal wherein some suspected Maoists were released to free a policeman held hostage by the rebels. “Those people who were released were ordinary people and had been mobilised by the Maoists. Our job is to politically isolate the Maoists. We have decided to conduct a vigorous campaign against the Maoists,” Karat said.
Regarding the rectification document, yet to be made public, Karat said some trends in the party need to be corrected. Ostensibly, the document looks at “strengthening democratic centralism as the organising principle of the party, ensuring proper integration of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary work, and maintenance of communist norms and values”.
The document also has a code of conduct for party workers. All members are required to inform the party of any asset acquired by them. No drinking in public and any “controversy” regarding the relatives of party members has to be dealt with. Frequent attendance of classes held for cadre will be made mandatory.
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