CPIML is organising campaigns in support of INDIA candidates in states where the party decided not to contest to avoid division of anti-BJP votes. Here are some glimpses of our campaign from major states.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu elections for 39 constituencies are over in first phase, on 19 April. We did not contest elections in Tamil Nadu. But, the party independently carried out an active campaign in almost 25 constituencies in support of candidates of INDIA alliance across Tamil Nadu. The party carried out a completely independent campaign without depending on any alliance parties, for money or vehicles.
The party conducted a politically sharp campaign that exposed the fascist Modi led BJP regime. It was effective right from social media to house to house campaigns. Even other INDIA alliance parties in the state in several constituencies distributed our leaflet in their local campaign.
The campaign also witnessed hundreds of common people and activists joining the party in some constituencies attracted by the political ideas and sharpness.
Comrades in hundreds of party branches in about 25 constituencies went door to door in residential areas, wards, and panchayats and engaged in political discussions with the public. There were countless attempts to convince even those who were the fence sitters. "Defeat BJP, Vote for INDIA" was the slogan reverberating all over the state. We hope to see the success in that endeavour on 4 June.
Two-wheeler rallies and campaign processions were successfully held in Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Chidambaram, Trichy, Sivagangai, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi constituencies. Public meetings were held in Salem, Mayiladuthurai and Chidambaram constituencies attended by hundreds of people. In Kanyakumari Constituency, many vehicle-canvassing and general campaign processions were conducted. A false case has also been filed. Vehicle canvassing, extensive canvassing visits were undertaken in constituencies like Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Vadachennai, Sriperumbudur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Madurai, Karur, Thanjavur, Tenkasi etc.
Delhi
The BJP is trying to spread a malicious campaign against the AAP in the wake of the arrest of AAP leaders including the Chief Minister of the state. So long as BJP’s malicious campaign against the AAP does not succeed, the former is certainly going to face a tough challenge. The seat-sharing arrangement between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the AAP has laid the ground for a close fight.
On March 31, at the INDIA bloc rally in Ramlila grounds, the entire spectrum of INDIA constituents demonstrated a rock solid political unity in articulating the shared resolve to free India from Modi's communal-fascist and utterly corrupt rule. At the Loktantra Bachao Maharally (Save Democracy Rally), at Ramlila Maidan, leaders of INDIA parties from across the country addressed the gathering to demand the immediate release of Arvind Kejriwal, Hemant Soren and other persecuted opposition leaders, guarantee of a level playing field in elections and a SC-monitored SIT to probe the Electoral Bond Scam. A large number CPIML members, from industrial areas to slum clusters, joined the rally.
CPIML and its mass organisations are playing an active role in garnering support for the INDIA candidates. In South Delhi, the party is spearheading a “Vote for INDIA” campaign, with a focus on 15 areas across 6 assembly segments. The campaign will run from 5 May to 21 May and will culminate in a public meeting to be addressed by the INDIA candidate Sahi Ram Pehalwan and other INDIA leaders.
Uttarakhand
Party campaigned with full strength in support of INDIA bloc candidates on all five seats in Uttarakhand. Party’s campaign was prominent in Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Garhwal and Almora seats. Party leaders jointly campaigned and addressed rallies in these seats, all party branches also conducted independent campaigns in favour of Congress candidates. Printed pamphlets were distributed and street corner meetings were organised. Party members with party flags and INDIA banners also took part in nomination processions of candidates. Massive mass contact campaigns were taken up in the party's areas of work.
Party state secretary Indresh Maikhuri organised press meets in major cities and appealed to vote for Congress candidates in order to get rid of the anti-people BJP government. CPIML cadres and supporters engaged themselves in campaigning in various areas and towns including Joshimath, Karnprayag, Srinagar, Almora, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Haldwani, Bindukhatta, Rudrapur and Bazpur.
The ASHA workers affiliated to All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) actively took part in the election campaign and also issued an appeal to oust BJP from power.
INDIA Alliance has given all five parliamentary seats to the Congress, although CPIML had staked its claim on Garhwal seat, which has been a traditional left bastion since the time of Chandra Singh Garhwali, the freedom fighter, communist and leader of the Peshawar Rebellion. Eventually CPIML decided to strengthen anti-fascist forces by avoiding division of votes in this important election.
The party independently distributed thousands of pamphlets throughout the state. The left parties including CPIML, CPI and CPIM also held joint press conferences in the capital Dehradun which received wide coverage. The active campaign by CPIML certainly gave an edge to campaigns of Congress candidates in the state.
Uttar Pradesh
CPIML has not fielded any candidate in UP and decided to campaign actively in favour of INDIA bloc candidates.
In Allahabad,CPIML cadres are campaigning for Congress candidate in Allahabad and SP candidate in Phulpur constituency. District in-charge Sunil Maurya said that the party here is raising issues which are important for the people mainly attacks of democratic institutions, on universities, unconstitutional CAA, persecution of activists and misuse of ED, CBI and IT department to serve the vested interests of BJP and its cronies. The question of unemployment, caste census, attacks on the rights and livelihood of vulnerable communities, Yogi government's bulldozer raj etc are major issues here.
CPIML state committee member Ramesh Singh Sengar is leading campaign teams in rural parts of the state capital Lucknow. Party units are also holding independent campaigns in the capital city.
In Mathura, CPIML will campaign in support of INDIA candidate Mukesh Dhangar. A plan was finalised for ward-wise campaigning and pamphlet distribution. The party condemned BJP's communal attempts to vitiate the atmosphere of this important religious centre which has been a model of syncretic culture and communal harmony till a few decades ago. CPIML leader Nasir Shah Advocate deplored the plight of various developmental projects under the BJP rule in this constituency, a glaring example is the ever polluted Yamuna river even after spending billions of rupees in the name of cleaning.
The election campaign with the slogan 'Defeat BJP, Save India' is also going on in Raebareli, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Pilibhit, Jalaun, Urai and other districts. Activists are appealing to the electorate through door to door visits and pamphlets and by holding press meets etc. to oust the fascist forces from the seat of power.
Party's campaign is being conducted through people's involvement and support in arranging all logistics, funds are being collected through contributions by masses with Rs. 20, 50 and 100 coupons.
Rajasthan
CPIML members have been actively campaigning in many parliamentary constituencies in Rajasthan in support of INDIA candidates. The party has taken up campaign in its own areas of work independently as well as jointly with other constituents of the INDIA bloc in rest of the constituencies. CPIML cadres are making intense door to door interactions with the electorate discussing major issues which the NDA/BJP are mischievously, and quite unsuccessfully, trying to hide behind BJP’s open and tacit communal divisive propaganda.
Many CPIML leaders and supporters enthusiastically joined the nomination procession of CPI(M) leader Amra Ram who is INDIA candidate from Sikar. CPIML is distributing pamphlets while campaigning in this parliamentary seat. The adjoining Jhunjhunu seat is being fought by a Congress party candidate, where an intense campaign is being done with the appeal to defeat authoritarian and divisive BJP and defend the constitution. CPIML central committee member and AIKM leader Phoolchand Dhewa accompanied comrade Amra Ram at his nomination. He also led a campaign team covering many villages of Neemka Thana area. Comrade Dhewa addressed an INDIA rally in Jhunjhunu in support of Congress candidate. He also addressed meetings in villages including Ghadana Kalan, Singhana, Charawas, Loyal, Manota and Bakra.
CPIML and Congress leaders held a joint meeting in Salumbar which was attended by party district leaders Gautam Lal Meena and Shankar Lal Meena.
The opposition parties united under the banner of Rajasthan Loktantrik Morcha held a joint meeting in Jaipur to ensure the defeat of the BJP. The Joint Platform of Trade Unions also held a meeting in support of INDIA candidates and decided to conduct a campaign throughout the state.
CPIML leader in Jaipur Manjulata addressed a joint cadre meeting of INDIA parties in Jaipur on 8 April which was held at the premises of CITU office. She is leading teams of activists in Jaipur town and adjoining rural areas along with other constituent parties of the bloc.
In Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Banswara region, party members are taking part in canvassing in various areas. A joint cadre meet was also held in Udaipur where left parties’ leaders were present. There is clear resentment visible against the ruling BJP among common people which is reflected in the enthusiasm of voters during the polling held on 10 April on 12 seats in Rajasthan.
Chhattisgarh
Party held joint meetings in a few Lok Sabha constituencies where plans were chalked out for joint campaigning. Trade Unions also issued an appeal to support INDIA candidates. All India People’s Forum Chhattisgarh has issued a separate appeal.
Maharashtra
The India alliance led by Mahavikas Aghadi in Maharashtra has already declared the candidates for majority of the seats and the campaigning has started in various parts of the state.
CPIML comrades at Nagpur were involved in the campaign of the Congress candidate contesting against Nitin Gadkari of BJP. Party members along with other constituents of the alliance campaigned in Ramtek constituency also.
Joint activists’ conventions are being held by the INDIA-MVA alliance in various constituencies in Maharashtra. Comrade Shyam Gohil attended a convention in South Central Mumbai while one such convention in the North East Mumbai seat was addressed by the party’s senior leader Ajit Patil. A similar convention is being called by a group of students at Mulund in North East Mumbai constituency and will be attended by CPIML leaders.
Comrade Gohil addressed a joint convention of activists in Palghar district. This was also attended by a large number of CPIML members. As the member of the coordination committee for Palghar constituency, we are taking active part in our areas as well as other areas in India-MVA alliance rallies and campaigns.
Karnataka
The CPIML has undertaken a ‘Vote for INDIA, Defeat the BJP’ campaign in all its working constituencies during the time of elections. CPIML as part of the INDIA alliance decided not to contest elections this time and instead, provide support to the Indian National Congress to strengthening the INDIA alliance.
In INDIA alliance meeting held in Bengaluru, CPIML had put forth that this election is a fight between fascism and democracy. This was accepted by the alliance parties, and the same tag-line was declared at a joint press conference. The CPI(M), however, decided to contest in Chikkaballapur constituency. Despite this, the CPIML has taken a stand that Congress is better placed to defeat the BJP in all 28 seats in the State.
The people of Karnataka, who have benefitted from the five guarantees of the Congress, have heaved a sigh of relief especially since inflation under the BJP regime has hit the working class people very hard and pushed the people into an economic crisis. The anti-BJP wave that was witnessed during the State Assembly elections, has remained etched in the minds of the people, especially since the BJP-RSS and its outfits weaved communal frenzy in the State.
The CPIML took up campaigns in its working constituencies, including Mysore-Kodagu, Dakshin Kannada, Davangere, Ballari, Raichur, Koppala, Bengaluru North and Bengaluru Central constituencies. Campaigns were held door-to-door, through vehicle announcements, bike rallies, and meetings of mass organisations at branch levels.
In the Mysore-Kodagu region, the CPIML has a base among the coffee plantation workers, who belong to Adivasi communities. Equipped with a jeep and speakers, the Adivasi comrades, along with Kodagu District Secretary Comrade Mohan, reached every Adivasi settlement in the constituency with a message to defeat the BJP and to vote for the INDIA candidate. In Dakshina Kannada, which is the stronghold of the Sangh, CPIML comrades undertook door-to-door campaigns among auto drivers, ready-mix workers and in other residential working constituencies. In Davangere, CPIML comrades organised meetings at AIARLA branches, and spoke to agricultural workers. These workers, who benefitted from the struggles of AIARLA and received employment under NREGA, stated that they have been reeling under economic crisis due to inflation, as well as that unemployment has deprived them of livelihoods. In Koppal LS constituency, a bike rally was undertaken to defeat fascism. Several meetings were held in villages where AIARLA branches have been set up. The agricultural workers expressed that even when Modi has built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, they were not allowed to enter their own village temples. They lamented the growing inequality and depravity that has been exacerbated under the Modi rule. They clearly said that the BJP is a pro-rich party, which would not do anything to erase inequality and discrimination they faced every day.
In Bengaluru, door-to-door campaigns were held in Anandapuram, Chinnappa Garden, Doddi and Chikkagollarahatti slums. Pamphleteering was also carried out in public areas of Peenya, Electronic City and Yelahanka industrial belts, outside factories, bus stops, shops, etc. In Shivajinagar market, the street vendors affiliated with AICCTU undertook pamphleteering, asking the people to vote for Congress. AISA comrades held campaigns outside St. Joseph’s University and Bangalore City University, speaking to young voters to vote against corporatisation and privatisation of education. A pamphlet under the name of Krantikari Slum Nivasigala Sangha (RYA) was also floated to uphold housing rights and address the concerns of slum residents, who constitute a majority of the population, especially in Bangalore. The AICCTU Bengaluru District Committee organised a general body meeting of all constituent unions, and gave a call to the workers to give a thumping defeat to the anti-worker BJP, who has introduced the four labour codes, which will reduce workers as slaves.
CPIML also undertook a social media campaign, where posters and videos on the assault of the Modi government on the working class in the past 10 years of its rule was highlighted, including on various issues, ranging from farmers’ crisis, workers’ crisis, assault on women, economic assault on working class was highlighted.
West Bengal
In the Lok Sabha elections, CPIML is contesting only one seat in West Bengal -Bardhaman Purba (SC) constituency. Throughout the state, CPIML is taking forward the intensive "Defeat BJP, Save Democracy" campaign using diverse forms.
After a decisive loss in the last assembly election, the BJP is using all its machinery to gain better footsteps in WB by spreading lies, hatred and communal propaganda. CPIML and its mass organizations are engaged in vigorous campaigns in the major districts of our party work with a call to end this disastrous, dictatorial Modi reign of corporate loot, communal hate and Constitutional subversion. As the pre poll INDIA alliance could not be forged in West Bengal, in the rest of the 41 constituencies we appeal to the people to vote for any party that can effectively defeat BJP. Respective district committees have adopted specific plans and campaigns have already started in Bankura, Hooghly, Nadia, North 24 Pgs, Howrah, South 24 Pgs, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda and Kolkata. The campaigns are highlighting the unconstitutional NRC CAA, electoral bond scams and how the central agencies are being used to curb any voice of opposition and dissent. We also continue to engage with various progressive democratic forces in the ongoing fight against fascism.
Trailblazing ‘Janata Coupon’ Campaign by CPIML Puts People Over Corporate in Elections
With call of ‘People's coupons, not clandestine corporate bonds,’ ranks of CPIML are visiting houses of people as part of ‘Har Ghar Chalo’ campaign requesting for vote and a contribution of Rs. 20. At a time when, electoral bonds and corporate donations to political parties have dented the electoral process in India, Janta Coupon campaign will put people over corporate.
CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the Janata Coupon or People’s coupon is people’s answer to the electoral bond and massive corruption from which the BJP got Rs. 8252 Crores from the corporates and rich. We are conducting this door-to-door coupon campaign on the ground to take on the might of the unconstitutional electoral bond in these elections.
The campaign is already in full swing in Bihar’s Arrah, Karakat, Nalanda parliamentary constituencies and Agiaon assembly constituency and Jharkhand’s Koderma LS seat where CPIML is contesting Lok Sabha elections. The campaign will soon expand to other contesting where CPIML is contesting.
