NEW DELHI: CPM leader Prakash Karan on Friday emphasized the need for a robust political and ideological fight against forces trying to “subvert India’s secular democratic fabric”. Speaking at the inauguration of the first phase of the Jyoti Basu Center For Social Studies and Research, Karat accused these forces of trying to establish “Hindutva as the official ideology of the state.”
“The fight against such forces is not purely and simply in the electoral sphere, it is a political and ideological fight against the forces of irrationality,” he stated.
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Reflecting on historical events, Karan mentioned the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, and recalled former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu’s strong condemnation of the act. Basu had referred to the perpetrators and the forces behind it as “barbarians”.
“Today, those same forces have seized state power and are trying to impose Hindutva as the state ideology,” Karat said, without explicitly naming any political group.
Highlighting the importance of Jyoti Basu’s legacy, Karat said, “If he were alive today, he would be at the forefront of the secular and democratic struggle against these regressive forces.”
Karat praised Basu’s leadership in the communist movement, specifying his role in advancing the cause of the working class and strengthening the democratic and leftist movements in India. “In West Bengal, Basu exemplified how communists should operate within legislatures and state governments to serve workers and promote progressive change,” he added.
Karat also highlighted the contributions of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and former CPM general secretary. Sitaram Yechury at the establishment of the Jyoti Basu Centre.
The event also featured Rabindrasangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya as a special guest. Left Front president Biman Bose and CPM state secretary Md Salim also addressed the gathering.