August 19, 2018: The CPIM State Committee has urged the State Election Department to ‘restore’ democratic environment in the State to hold by-polls in PRI bodies in free and fair manner.
The Party also said, NRC is a non-issue in the State, however, anti-left tribal regional parties are raising the issue which may turn into serious trouble. The Party urged the anti-left tribal parties to focus on pressing issues that the tribal people are facing under new Saffron Govt instead of NRC issue.
Addressing a press conference, CPIM State secretary Bijan Dhar said, before conducting by-polls for vacant three tier Panchayat bodies, concerned authority must ensure proper democratic atmosphere where Opposition could participate without any fear. He alleged, attacks on CPIM Party offices, leaders and activists indicate a serious deterioration of democratic situation in the State.
He also appealed to Tribal parties – IPFT, INPT etc – to create pressure on BJP-IPFT Govt to ensure food and earning opportunities for tribal communities. He said, with the suspension of MNREGA and social pension schemes, tribal people are facing dire situations. It is time to raise voice against the ruling coalition, Dhar said.
State CPIM urged the State government to help Kerala and its hapless people. Dhar said that the CPIM would launch an 11-day long fund collection drive on August 21 across the state to help the affected people of Kerala.
Referring to State Election Departments initiative to hold by-polls in PRI bodies, Dhar alleged, under present political situation, free and fair by-polls are unlikely. Citing examples of Sawasti Co-operative Samiti at Kanchanpur, Dhar alleged, CPM activists were prevented from collecting nomination forms for polls in the Samiti. Similar situation was repeated in Rudra Sagar Co-operative Samiti election, he alleged.
“Under such a situation, possibility of conducting polls in free and fair manner is not possible. State Election Department must take steps to restore proper democratic situation and ensure free and fair conduct of polls.”, Dhar said.
