The Hindu : CPI seeks ban on Gujarat yatra

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 02, 2002

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National

CPI seeks ban on Gujarat yatra

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI July 1. The Communist Party of India has demanded a ban on the BJP's "Gujarat gaurav yatra'' scheduled to begin from July 4.

Addressing a press conference here today, after a three-day long meeting of the party's national council, the CPI general secretary, A.B. Bardhan, said the `yatra' was against the national ethos and our tradition of compassion and brotherhood.

He alleged that the BJP sought to glorify what was a national shame and draw political mileage by exploiting religious frenzy in anticipation of elections. He said the Narendra Modi Government was using coercion to close down the relief camps in Gujarat.

The CPI did not seek a ban on the Jagannath rath yatra in Ahmedabad on July 12. "I am not saying that it should be banned, this is a religious festival and cannot be banned,'' Mr. Bardhan said but emphasised that it should not be taken through sensitive areas.

"A slight provocation, even by a genuine agent provocateur could lead to violence.'' He urged the State Government to ensure that the yatra passed off peacefully.

Mr. Bardhan criticised the BJP for sending signals undermining secularism. This included making L.K. Advani Deputy Prime Minister, the party's failure in reining in the VHP and the appointment of the former Bajrang Dal chief, Vinay Katiyar, as president of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit.

"Now Yashwant Sinha replaces Jaswant Singh and both surrender to the U.S.,'' Mr. Bardhan said. The party called upon the BJP's secular allies to read these signs "and to salvage their conscience and principles before it is late''.

The party body also passed a resolution condemning the Film Censor Board for withholding the exhibition of documentary-maker, Anand Patwardhan's film War and Peace. The resolution said that the Board's step was politically motivated and was an attack on the freedom of expression.

It said that while a drama depicting Nathuram Godse as a hero and denigrating Mahatma Gandhi was allowed, the Censor Board had axed the award-wining film as it did not suit the political views of the BJP.

Mr. Bardhan said that trade unions in the country, excepting the Sangh Parivar's Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, would hold a national convention in New Delhi on July 15 to chalk out a plan for a nation-wide movement to protest against the economic policies pursued by the NDA.

The CPI, with the support and participation of other secular parties, would hold protest yatras from Kanyakumari and Imphal to culminate in a massive rally in Delhi. The yatras yet to be given a name would be held after the rainy season.

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