CPI(M) Organizes Massive Protest Rally in Delhi, Adopts Resolution on International and Domestic Concerns
In a significant political demonstration, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) organized a 'Jan Aakrosh Rally' at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan, where a comprehensive resolution was adopted demanding immediate government action on multiple fronts. The resolution strongly condemned the recent US-Israel military actions against Iran and Palestine, calling for the BJP-led union government to take a firm diplomatic stance against these attacks.
International Concerns and Protection for Indian Citizens Abroad
The resolution specifically emphasized the need for the Indian government to take concrete steps to protect the lives and interests of Indian citizens residing in the Gulf and West Asian regions. "The US-Israel attack on Iran is having a big impact on our lives," stated the resolution document. "Due to the failure of the BJP-led government to assess the situation and take necessary steps, there is scarcity of gas cylinders even in small villages."
The document further highlighted how the international conflict has exacerbated domestic economic challenges: "On top of it, the government has increased the price of gas and petrol. The resulting increase in the price of vegetables, rice and other essential commodities have added to our burdens."
Domestic Economic Demands and Policy Changes
Beyond international concerns, the rally served as a platform for voicing numerous domestic grievances. The gathering demanded the scrapping of several government initiatives including the notification of four labour codes, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act that has replaced MGNREGA, the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bills.
"All of us who have gathered here in the Jan Aakrosh Rally demand the government to curb price rise, reduce the price of gas and ensure that cylinders are available to all those who are in need," the resolution added, reflecting widespread concerns about inflation and accessibility of essential commodities.
Massive Turnout and Political Significance
The rally attracted thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds including farmers, labourers, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers who gathered holding CPI(M) flags and raised traditional slogans of 'Inquilab Zindabad'. This event represented the culmination of 33 jathas (processions) that had covered all states in North India, demonstrating the party's organizational reach beyond its traditional strongholds.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby made significant political statements. "Elections are important, but issues of the common people are equally important. We will continue to fight for them," he declared, referencing the upcoming elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry while confirming that the party's poll preparations are actively underway.
Challenging Political Narratives
Baby used the platform to directly challenge statements from BJP leadership about the Left's political relevance in India. "In their speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah often say the red flag (the Left flag) has disappeared from India, and that it survives only in Kerala. They say it will soon be eliminated even from there. But I want to challenge this narrative," Baby asserted.
Pointing toward the massive gathering at Ramlila Maidan, he emphasized: "Look at all the flags here. People have come here from all over the country - from Jammu and Kashmir to Jharkhand and from Gujarat to Himachal Pradesh." This statement served as a powerful rebuttal to claims about the Left's diminishing presence in Indian politics.
The resolution adopted at the rally concluded with a clear demand for immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East: "The war should end immediately," it stated, reflecting the party's position on international conflicts and their impact on ordinary citizens both abroad and within India.
