CPI leaders express solidarity with flood victims as five-day convention commences

The Communist Party of India organised a convention to mark the commencement of its 25th five-day National Congress at Phase 11. Party General Secretary D Raja, National Secretary Amarjit Kaur, Punjab CPI Secretary Bant Singh Brar and National Council members Hardev Arshi, Jagrup Singh, Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal addressed the attendees.

Raja expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent Punjab floods. He lauded the exemplary courage of the “Punjabi comrades” who not only helped the people during the disaster but also came to the rally in large numbers, braving immense hardships.

The leader condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre for treading an anti-democratic, divisive and fascist path.

Punjab CPI leaders also came down heavily on the Centre’s “anti-Punjab and anti-Punjabiat” policies, demanding substantial compensation for farmers, agricultural labourers and shopkeepers who suffered during the floods.

All India Trade Union Congress National Secretary Amarjit Kaur, meanwhile, added, “All democratic and Left forces need to unite in a broad front to save democracy, the Constitution and secularism from the assaults of the BJP, and to march towards the path of social justice and socialism,”

The rally began with cultural performances and revolutionary songs by artistes including Iqbal Kaur Udasi, Inqulabi Kavishri Jatha Rasulpur, Desh Raj Lachkani, IPTA Moga among others.

Organiser Dr Swaraj Bir Singh, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner and Punjabi playwright, said, “Around 900 delegates from across the country will participate in this Congress. Party workers came here to attend in large numbers from all parts of the country. Youth and women participation was in extraordinary numbers this time.”