Date:30/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/30/stories/2006013014750300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Rally taken out to mark CPI's 80th anniversary

Staff Correspondent

Celebrations to be held in Bangalore on February 12

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: Members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) taking out a rally in Mysore on Sunday to mark the party's 80th anniversary.

MYSORE: The Communist party of India (CPI) took out a rally in the city on Sunday to mark its 80th anniversary.

The procession, which was taken out from Town Hall, passed through K.R. Circle and D. Devaraj Urs Road before reaching the Deputy Commissioner's office. Addressing the rally, CPI State Secretary Siddanagowda Patil expressed his displeasure over the recent political developments in the State. He said it has exposed politicians' "lust for power". He accused the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and other political parties of compromising their ideals for the sake of power. He said the CPI, whose leaders were hanged and put behind bars during the freedom struggle, has continued its movement for the welfare of the common man even after Independence. The party is waging a struggle against the threat posed to the country's economy, society and culture by the entry of multinational companies.

Whenever there is a threat to the country from terrorists or communal elements, the CPI has staged protests. "Nobody can question the party's commitment to secularism," he said.

Mr. Patil said the party's 80th anniversary celebrations will be held at the Silver Jubilee Bhavan in KEB Engineers' Association in Bangalore on February 12. Senior party members will be felicitated on the occassion.

Party workers including farmers, employees and students participated in the rally.