The Hindu : Kerala News : Veliyam for CPI-CPI(M) merger

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Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008
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Veliyam for CPI-CPI(M) merger

Staff Reporter

Says it is the need of the working class
Wants parties to shed narrow differences

Thrissur: Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Veliyam Bhargavan on Sunday said the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the CPI should shed narrow differences and pride, and unite in the larger interests of the country.

He was addressing a public meeting that marked the finale of the State conference of CPI here.

“Neither (Chief Minister) V.S. Achuthanandan nor I need the merger of the two parties. But the working class needs it. Communist parties are united the world over. In India alone, why should Communists hold different flags? We (the CPI) were accused of supporting the Congress. What are they (the CPI-M) doing now? The Communists parties had split over issues such as armed rebellion and pro-China stand. History has proved what is right and wrong. Such issues have been settled and left behind,” he said.

Chidambaram flayed

He criticised Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for a policy reform option put forward by the Economic Survey suggesting increase of work week to 60 hours from 48 hours.

“Does this man [Finance Minister] belong to our country? He acts as a counsel for capitalists. The Left will fight any move to increase the number of weekly working hours.”

Mr. Veliyam also criticised reported statements by Church leaders that Left parties were propagating atheism.

“We have believers and non-believers in the Left. Everyone has the right to follow his faith. Books on the Liberation Struggle, published by the Americans, have pointed out that the campaign was funded by the CIA.”

Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, CPI national secretary and MP, said the Left would withdraw support if the UPA government went ahead with the Indo-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement.

“The UPA will commit suicide if it proceeds further on this issue. The Left stand on the Hyde Act is clear.”

Tens of thousands of party workers attended the public meeting held at the Shakthan Thampuran ground. A massive rally preceded the meeting.

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