Communist Party Launches Nationwide Protest Campaign Ahead of Parliament Session
Indiadailyupdate.com – The Communist Party of India (CPI) has initiated a large-scale political movement in preparation for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, set to begin on July 20. The campaign will reach its peak with a significant gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on September 1, titled “Badlaav Zaroori Hai” (Change is Necessary). The party has framed the initiative as a response to what it calls the “disastrous policies” of the current administration, highlighting the Union government’s perceived neglect of vulnerable groups such as laborers, farmers, young people, students, and women.
Key Issues and Accusations
CPI General Secretary D. Raja emphasized that the campaign would involve marches and public outreach across all states from August 6 to 15, targeting rural areas and small cities. The goal is to demonstrate the Modi government’s failure to secure livelihood stability for citizens. Raja also criticized the Union government for its handling of allegations surrounding the misappropriation of funds intended for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, accusing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of shifting focus away from the issue.
“Our entire effort is to connect with people and show how the Modi government has entirely neglected livelihood challenges,” Raja stated.
The CPI has drawn attention to the Union government’s alleged lack of accountability, noting Modi’s silence on the Ayodhya temple fund embezzlement. This contrasts with his earlier promises during the 2024 election in Odisha, where he pledged a transparent investigation into the theft of gold and silver from the Jagannath Temple’s treasury. The party insists that a high-level judicial inquiry is essential, stressing that resignations alone are not enough to ensure justice.
Rural Employment and Student Protests
Raja also highlighted the government’s impact on rural employment, citing the dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He argued that the new scheme has imposed extra financial pressure on state governments, many of which have struggled to enforce it. The CPI has demanded the reinstatement of the original MGNREGA to address rising unemployment and underemployment.
Regarding student demonstrations over leaked exam papers, Raja urged the government to accept its “moral responsibility” for failing to take action. He criticized the lack of accountability, despite calls from educators and others for the resignation of the relevant minister. The term “coaching mafia” has gained traction in media, according to Raja, reflecting the widespread exploitation in the education sector.
Jammu and Kashmir and Women’s Rights
The CPI has also expressed support for restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, contrasting it with the unmet demands for statehood in Delhi and Puducherry. Raja noted that Jammu and Kashmir previously held statehood before the revocation of Article 370, which he described as a key factor in the current political landscape. The party called on the Union government to engage constructively with the statehood movement, claiming it enjoys backing from all democratic groups.
On women’s rights, the CPI reiterated its backing for the Women’s Reservation Bill. Raja highlighted the role of former CPI women representatives, including Geeta Mukherjee and Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, in building public support for the measure. He accused the government of using procedural delays and delimitation strategies to postpone implementation, despite its stated commitment to gender equity.
As part of the campaign, women’s organizations will hold a protest on July 28, coinciding with the start of the Parliament session. Youth and student groups will separately take to the streets the same day to demand action on employment concerns.
