Prakash Karat

Opening Speech of Prakash Karat

Opening Speech of Prakash Karat, General Secretary of the CPI(M) at the Inaugural Session of the 20^th Congress of the CPI(M)

Comrade Ramachandran Pillai, President of the inaugural session,

Comrade A. B. Bardhan, veteran leader of the Communist Party of India,

Comrade delegates and observers,

Guests and friends,

I hereby declare open the 20^th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). I convey my warm greetings to all the delegates, observes and special invitees assembled here. I welcome Comrade A. B.

Marxism in the 21st Century: Alternative to Neoliberal Capitalism and Imperialism

The Marxist, XXVII 4, October–December 2011

Prakash Karat

Marxism in the 21st Century:

Alternative to Neoliberal Capitalism

and Imperialism*

I

Two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, the mood of capitalist triumphalism that existed then, has vanished. With the first prolonged capitalist crisis of the 21st century, the focus is now on the future of capitalism and the uncertain times faced by it.

Government Has to Respond

At present, however, the fight against corruption can be taken forward only when a strong Lokpal authority is constituted. The government Lokpal Bill has been rejected by large sections of the people; it is not acceptable to the Left parties and most of the opposition parties. In such a situation, there is no other way for the government, but to bring a modified or fresh Bill which can pave the way for an effective Lokpal

Rejoinder By Prakash Karat

There have been certain reports of my speech at the Memorial Conference for Victor Kiernan in Cambridge that are inaccurate in parts and misleading. Some agencies have attributed to me that I stated that we committed “a historical blunder” in not recognising the role played by caste in politics and society. It is also alleged that I said that Communists are “stuck in the forties” as far as their theory and practice is concerned.

Prakash Karat At All Parties Meeting

We have to understand that there can be no solution to the Kashmir problem without taking into account the feelings and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. ..The Centre should spell out that there can be a dialogue process without any side setting pre-conditions. It would be better if the Prime Minister appoints a senior political figure who can monitor this process.

Inaugural Speech of Prakash Karat

The Central Committee of the CPI(M) has convened this extended meeting to take stock of the political situation in the country and to chalk out a political line which can help us to tackle the current situation and meet the various challenges that we are facing.

Prakash Karat's Tribute to Jyoti Basu

Jyoti Basu was a great leader of the CPI(M), the Left movement and India. With his passing away, an era has passed.

Seventy years of public life and political activity marked him out, at the time of his death, as the most distinguished Left leader of the country. An ardent Communist, he was one of the few political leaders in independent India who actually deepened democracy, strengthened secularism and brought the working people to the centre-stage of Indian politics. As Chief Minister of West Bengal for a record 23 years, his lasting contributions were land reforms, which gave land and security of tenure to millions of peasants, the vitalization of panchayat institutions, and the creation of an enduring atmosphere of secularism in the State. He taught Communists how to work and serve the people in parliamentary forums in order to bring about changes in public policy.

He stood with the struggles of the working class and all working people. Jyoti Basu became a symbol of Left, democratic and secular forces.

Theme