An alternate view on CPI(M)

Marxists here and markets there

This is the curious contradiction of the Communists. To sustain its popularity in West Bengal, the party there has embraced reform. But to maintain their political identity, Communist leaders in Delhi have opposed those same reforms. At the same time, to stay close to power, they have allowed through a trickle of liberal measures.

This has made them maddening allies for Mr Singh. He has accused them of double standards. But hypocrisy and self-interest are nothing new in politics. Mr Karat and the rest of his politburo want to keep at least one foot in old-fashioned Marxism, because they sense a populist threat.

We will sue all critics : Reader's editor

When criticism loses its sting

Full postal address — which we ask for as a sensible rule, partly for legal reasons and partly to know the geographical spread of those who communicate...

Insisting on full postal address never made much sense to me. But I was surprised to read that it is required for legal reasons. Legal? Are you kidding me? Mercifully, the Reader's editor clarifies.

There is yet another category that indulges in not professional but personal abuse (I am not the target in these), using words like "mad dog," "stooping to accommodate thugs and manipulating and exploiting Indians," and so on. These writers, assuming the names and addresses are genuine, are obviously not aware that they lay themselves open to a charge of defamation and ensuing legal proceedings. Those who use false names and addresses perhaps do not know that law enforcers have ways of finding out the identity of the offenders.

Any statement that exposes a person to contempt, hatred or ridicule, or tends to injure him or her in the profession or trade, is defamatory under the law. Communication to a third party other than the person defamed is held to be publication and can be a cause of legal action. An attack on the moral character or attribution of disgraceful conduct can be defamation.

This is mild criticism when compared to the hate and venom spewed by The Anti-hindu on Hindus and BJP, for example. But in the megalomaniac world of CBCNN, criticism is treated with utter contempt. The Reader's editor goes to the extent of threatening readers with legal action for criticising the newspaper.

Singur simmers

We have been hearing about how the farmers actively participated in the Singur. Lets get a different view from other newspapers.

Singur simmers again as farmers protest

Police used batons and teargas to disperse a large group of farmers who turned violent and tried to violate prohibitory orders by marching to Singur, where work has begun on the Tata Motors' small car project.


Large group of farmers protested.

Police deliberately kill children : CBCNN

Farewell, sweet Faizal - Nupur Basu

And the police, in a bid to quell "rioting mobs," found a vulnerable target in Faizal...

The operative word here being "found". This is reiterated below.

Where a police force that can neither predict nor contain anti-social and communal outbreaks aims its authority at helpless children, old people, and women.

No tears for the police constable who was killed by the mob. No information on the plight of his family. He is buried as a nameless entity by The Chindu. But Nupur Basu comes out gunning for the police head.

I am getting sick of reading all this nonsense.

Dsyfunctional police

India's dysfunctional police

It has long been my opinion that The Chindu indulges in tarnishing the image of the police and security establishment in general. This article does just that, and in a acidic tone.

Karat counters criticism

Karat counters charge of double-speak

Karat was severely criticised for his hypocrisy. The nepotistic Chindu ignored all criticism and reproduced his defence from "People's Democracy".

His defence is very weak at best. It is still not clear whether he supports or opposes industrialization. CBCNN dare not speak against Karat.

Singur rages on CBCNN

Bid to set fire to Singur fence

... 700 volunteers drawn from local villages who are guarding the site...

As of yesterday, 250 people are employed. Today, 700 volunteers are guarding while 250 are working. An additional 70 are supervising. Popular support for Singur, CBCNN will swear.

Building support base for Singur

Singur people working at Tata Motors' site

This being a CPI(M) project, it will only get positive spin in The Chindu and any opposition is vilified.

Another article subtly praising Tata motors:
Let Tata name competitor: Khattar

Political campaigning for CPI(M)

Defeat plot: CPI (M)

Isnt it sickening reading such excessive campaigning for CPI(M) on CBCNN. It is a pity this red rag can pass off as a national newspaper.

Weep for the muslim victims. Hindus?, who cares?

`Who cares for the fate of victims?'

Consistent with its editorial policy, The Anti-Hindu selects only the plight of muslim victims for coverage. It deliberately reported incorrectly that the violence was started by the Hindus.

Couple of other things in the article. It tries to project
1. the police as irresponsible and brutal.
2. CPI(M) as sympathetic and caring.

China stands for peace, repeats CBCNN

Anti-satellite test not a threat to others: China

America and Japan are concerned.
The NYT acknowledges the threat.

The Times of India says, "China missile worries India".

But CBCNN would never dare mention anything else but the peaceful intentions of China.

CPI(M) opposes Government

CPI (M) assails customs duty cut

So long accustomed to sitting as a non-entity in the opposition, CPI(M) does not realise that, when in power, it can do more than opposing the Government.

The Chindu is trying to project that the government is running only because of CPI(M). Party loyalties at work.

Privatisation against the spirit of the Constitution: Karat

Judiciary getting attuned to values of liberalisation: Karat

Karat is back on CBCNN after an extraordinarily long hiatus of three days.

Here are some jewels from Karat:

the judiciary was getting attuned to the values of liberalisation and privatisation, which are against the spirit of the Constitution.

Liberalisation and privatisation are against the spirit of the Constitution.

Mr. Karat said the party had worked with all Left and democratic forces in the country to ensure that the communal forces were defeated and isolated. Those who believed that India should become a Hindu nation or that the country should be divided on religious lines should be defeated whichever religion they belonged to, he said.

The usual Hindu bashing, which CBCNN will gleefully report.

A shift in CBCNN's focus

Cut down fuel prices: Raja

Faced with strong opposition for its excessive coverage of CPI(M), The Chindu decided not act as a propaganda machine for CPI(M). Instead it will report CPI activities for *today*.

CITU is a non-entity in Karnataka; but not for CBCNN

CITU to launch series of agitations against `anti-worker' policies

Commenting on the "attack" on the public sector units by the governments, Mr. Majumdar said such policies would endanger the very economy of cities such as Bangalore.

CITU belongs to the old world order. Bangalore's economy is almost entirely dependent on the private sector, with public sector playing only a nominal role. No wonder, CITU - being a communist outlet - has got all its priorities wrong. May be CITU should share with us what percentage of the number of workers in Bangalore are members of CITU. We can get a fair idea, considering that CPI(M) has just 1 MLA in the assembly.

The Chindu, a propaganda machine, is obliged to print all the communists ramblings.

Bangalore violence started by Hindus: CBCNN

Boy killed, three injured in police firing

The police said the trouble started when a large number of people who came in a procession from Nagavara to attend the Viraat Hindu Samajotsava in Ulsoor turned unruly. They allegedly stoned houses in Cox Town.

Trouble broke out on Kamaraj Road when some people stoned houses and shops while a procession was passing through. This resulted in a clash between two groups following which violence spread

Clever use of language by The Anti-Hindu to suggest that the violence was started by Viraat Hindu Samajotsava crowd.

Let have a look at the coverage on this incident in Hindustan Times:
Police kill boy, night curfew in Bangalore
Police said the violence was sparked off when a banner relating to a Hindu religious gathering was allegedly removed by a group of people who were on their way to attend a rally to condemn the Saddam execution.

The reason is that the crowd attending the Saddam rally bullied Hindus on their way and the Hindus reacted. And this is clearly stated by Mumtaz Ali Khan in a letter to the editor.


There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein's execution needs to be condemned. But what business did the protesters have uprooting the banners of the Virat Hindu Samajyotsav? Burning vehicles, attacking police, and entering homes to beat up the residents were most uncalled for. All right-thinking Muslims should demand punishment for those responsible for the unpleasant happenings.

China stands for peace

China allays fears on missile test

CBCNN is zealous in projecting China as a champion of peace. China's imperialistic overtures -- like the present one where a space sattelite, probably belonging to someone else, was shot down by China using a ground ballistic missile -- are hidden behind a facade of propaganda by the mercenaries like the CBCNN.

CPM party matters

CPI(M) fiat to Minister

CBCNN is meticulous in bringing all CPI(M) party matters to its readers.

Opposition to Nandigram is "fundamentalist" : CPI(M)

CPI (M) concerned over "misinformation" campaign

A CPI(M) party statement is dutifully covered in its mouth-piece national newspaper, The Chindu. The communists, as usual, indulge in ad hominem attacks on its opposition.

Coverage of CPI(M) event with focus on Karat

EMS was a Marxist pathfinder: Karat

The Chindu is trying to improve its own benchmark. As we have seen, Karat figured once in every two days. Now, The Chindu is attempting to feature him twice every day.

Although this is nothing new, CBCNN reports it

No change in stand on FDI cap: CPI (M)

CBCNN did not report China's claim of Arunachal Pradesh as it was "nothing new". But Karat's views get repeated ad infinitum.

The BJP said a policy announcement was made by a visiting dignitary and the Government discussed the issue neither with the National Democratic Alliance nor within the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance.

BJP's concern is far more important that CPI(M)'s "no change in stance". But, you know the "editorial judgement" of CBCNN.

Consumerism conquering China

Cars conquering the bicycle kingdom

While China has moved from Communism to Capitalism and the Chinese are too eager to drown in Consumerism, our Comrade Communists in India continue to champion for the lost cause.

As Rajeev Srinivasan pointed out, India has the worst of Capitalism and Communism and none of the positives.

Btw, China has seven of the world's ten most polluted cities.

Karat's correspondence matters

Chidambaram's reply shocking: Brinda

The incident is undoubtedly shocking. The PM is doing things without the knowledge of his cabinet members. But CBCNN wants to project the image that Ms.Karat is the one dragging the skeletons out of the closet.

CPI(M) hails halt of SEZs

SEZs: CPI (M) hails Centre's decision

While opposing the setting up SEZs, CPI(M) allots SEZ to the horribly corrupt Salim group in West Bengal. The Chindu disregards this hypocrisy and goes ahead with its drum-beating.

IT companies are like 19th century prisons

Many promises broken: CITU

CITU is the Trade Union of CPI(M). As usual, the national headlines are reserved for CPI(M) cadre.

Mr. Pandhe said the working conditions for a significant part of the IT and IT-enabled industries were not as rosy as made out to be. Quoting a study by the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, he said the conditions were often comparable to "19th century prisons" and that of "Roman slaves."

The communist way of saying, if you are not with us you are a devil.

Old, long-time readers' view of "The Chindu"

Here is the opinion of old, long-time readers about The Chindu:
The paper has turned into an ideological document; there is disproportionate coverage to CPI(M) Polit Bureau members wherever they speak; a mindset prejudiced against all right-wing people; obsession for Muslims and their welfare; an anti-American bias.

... it cannot have "pretensions of adherence to core values."

Karat frequency on CBCNN

A Karat article appears once in every two days on CBCNN.

"The ball is in India's court"

Consider Siachen plan seriously, Kasuri tells India

Xinhua, with its Paki tilt, is obviously trying to project an image that India is not doing enough. CBCNN has so often repeated this opinion in its pages.

Two things on this Siachen issue :

Pak needs to take the first step by stopping all sponsorship to terrorism.

Pak has not proved its trust-worthiness. If Pak reneges on its promise on Siachen, the consequences can be disatrous.

Yet another Karat article

Brinda Karat flays Congress, NCP

CBCNN can use the caption "Karat's National Newspaper".

No problem with CBI probe

Karat: no problem with CBI probe

"Editorial judgement" says this deserves 7 paragraphs with a colour photo of *** drum-roll *** Prakash Karat on the front page.

No problem with CBI probe

Karat: no problem with CBI probe

The Chinese disease

The Chinese disease?

In China the chance of catching it(Syphilis) is now more than 28 times greater than it was in 1993. Syphilis cases are increasing in many countries but the extent of China’s rise, in relative and absolute terms, dwarfs figures from America, Canada and Europe.

Estimates by the World Health Organisation suggest that the (Chinese) government spent just $22 on health, per person, in 2003, much less than the $96 in Brazil or $98 in Russia.

These kind of things are never reported in CBCNN. Meanwhile, Pallavi Aiyar claims that China is asserting its place on world stage. I guess a few of us know which area.

ASEAN summit coverage in CBCNN

China, ASEAN sign agreement

CBCNN's coverage of ASEAN:
We only got to hear of China's participation in ASEAN. Actually, there was a mention of Manmohan Singh meeting his Chinese counterpart.

Mamta is a naxalite: CBCNN goes again

Left to launch pro-industry campaign in West Bengal

CBCNN is indulging in deliberate character assasination.

The campaign is expected to help counter the opposition to the State Government's industrialisation plans from the principal Opposition parties, who have been joined in their protests by certain Naxalite groups and whose leaders were recently felicitated by the Trinamool Congress for closing ranks with the party in its movement against the acquisition of farmland for industry in the State.

Naxalites are the armed wing of the communists but CBCNN is associating naxalism to Mamta. And soon, CBCNN will claim that naxalism is started and fully sponsored by Mamta. CBCNN is one mean progaganda machine.

Singur view from the Right

We know how CBCNN has been campaigning for Singur - endlessly praising the exemplary compensation package. Below are two such articles from today.

Buddhadeb has committed no blunder: Yechury

Left to launch pro-industry campaign in West Bengal

Contrast this with the view from the Right. Here is complete text of Sandhya Jain's article.

(Organiser-Singur-14 January 2007)

No genuine agriculture vs. industry face-off - Sandhya Jain



The face-off between West Bengal farmers and government, first in Singur and later in Nandigram, is being erroneously depicted as a clash between 'progressive' industry and 'stagnant' agriculture, when the truth is simply that there is no justification for turning over fertile, multiple-crop supporting land for factories that could easily be constructed over degraded wastelands.



What is ignored in the pretended concern for investment and progress in the State is that by seizing agricultural land which is already well-connected to the markets and highways by roads, and handing over the same to rich industrialists, the State Government is giving them huge hidden subsidies by saving them the cost of building infrastructure in remote areas to connect with the main commercial centres or transit points.



Industry is thus saved a cost that is already built into its project report, and this windfall is at the cost of the humble farmer who ensures the food security of the entire country with his unceasing toil. The argument that a better compensation packet will provide the farmer a better livelihood in insensitive and fallacious; and the argument that the country will not progress until landed farmers are forced by state policy to become urban proletariat stinks of forced labour. If India is a democracy, farmers must decide whether or not they wish to farm in peace or rot in urban slums.



The fast disappearance of fertile land, especially along national highways, and the corresponding rise of factories and urban areas is a visible and disturbing trend nation-wide, and one that needs urgent redressal before the country faces an acute agricultural crisis. The rural poor do not need a compensation packet that is quickly dissipated, they need assured irrigation. It is a fallacy that industrialization can provide employment to all those living in rural areas (about 65% of the population); only agriculture can do that.

In these circumstances, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeo Bhattacharya has done well to announce that the notification for land acquisition in Nandigram would be withdrawn, after violence unleashed by party cadres amidst tragic police apathy, led to the death of six villagers.

Amazingly, it now transpires that the Haldia Development Authority, which issued the land acquisition notices for 25,000 acres of land, did not have the authority to do so! Yet the administration tried to brazen it out, and despite early arson and violence, failed to ensure adequate security, which resulted in the death of six persons as a charged-up peasantry refused to yield ground to party goons. In the subsequent fall-out, the Chief Minister had little choice but to climb down and allow matters to cool down; this is wise, but he also owes it to the people of his state to acknowledge the guilt of his party cadres and make suitable amends.

Just as the Singur Special Economic Zone land was earmarked for a car project by the Tata's, so the Nandigram SEZ was intended for the Indonesia-based Salim group's chemical hub. Both lands involved the ouster of thousands of farm families that either own the land legally, or have been farming at the site for generations, though lacking in legal title. These latter were simply ignored in the compensation packages, and would be simply ruined by the projects.

The chief minister will now have to appreciate that those who rule in the name of the hammer and sickle cannot use the hammer to crush the sickle! Chastened by the unexpected turn of events, Mr. Bhattacharya has promised that the state government will henceforth resort to mapping and land-alignment and prepare a rehabilitation package in consultation with political parties, farmers and the landless people. This is a wise precaution, even if it comes rather late in the day.

The most pertinent aspect of the Singur-Nandigram face-offs, however, which remains unanswered by the political establishment to this day, is, why is the State Government serving as estate agent to rich industrial houses? And even if they do their own estate-hunting, why does it allow fertile agricultural land be converted into sterile industrial land? Inviting investment only involves a transparent policy of notifying land available for industrial purposes, and a corruption-free environment for industry to prosper. There is absolutely no cause for government to serve as the handmaiden of the corporate sector, as the Congress party has discovered after first chastising the MP who protested the scandalously sweet deal that the Reliance SEZ procured in Haryana.

After initially mistaking the protest as dissidence inspired by former chief minister Bhajan Lal, the party realized that farmers across north India were agitated by the deal and made verbal u-turn. But prime minister Manmohan Singh was slow to react to Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee's fast-unto-death in Singur, and it took the personal concern of President APJ Kalam to force him to step into the picture. Now the looming elections in Uttar Pradesh have forced congress president Sonia Gandhi to make pro-farmer noises. None of this is good enough. BJP president Rajnath Singh was the first major national leader to support Ms. Banerjee in Singur; he should follow this up by taking up the larger issue of agricultural depression all over the country. A beginning can be made by asking the simple question – why are all farmer suicides coming from regions which have got the so-called benefits of the Green Revolution, and what exactly is it that insulates the traditional farmer of UP and Bihar from this trend. The answers will be interesting.

Focus on Chindia in ASEAN

India, China for `vigorous' talks

While other newspapers focused on Manmohan's participation in ASEAN, The Chindu focussed on Manmohan's pleasentries with his Chinese counterpart.

You know you are reading CBCNN when you get an Indian story with a Chinese viewpoint.

The communist paradise called China

Singur: Reflection of China

This is the paradise that CPI(M) is trying to emulate in West Bengal, through projects like Singur.

Reduce Karat coverage : Readers

Reduce prices of fuel further: Prakash Karat

The readers of CBCNN have demanded a cut in Karat coverage.

Welcome back, Karat. Actually he is never off CBCNN

Procedures violated for ADB loan: Karat

Prakash Karat graces the pages of CBCNN, this time in a colour photo.

CPI(M) has no objection to the ADB loan but it is opposing it.

Khare and verbal terrorism

ULFA and the liberal dilemma

Even after 9/11, when the sangh parivar discovered the political usefulness of raking up the issue of jihadi terror, ...

An unwarranted attack on sangh parivar. Is Khare saying that sangh parivar did not raise the issue of jihadi terror before 9/11? India was experiencing jihadi terror for a very long time and the sangh has alwaysbeen vocal against it, including the jihadi terror unleashed in Kashmir since 1991. Khare discovered his path of fulfilling career ambitions in sangh bashing. He is the worst among the CBCNN lot - up there along with N.Ram.

... the Vajpayee Government had to appease the national mood ...

Over-smart usage of language to suggest that the appeasement policy is followed by Vajpayee and BJP.

While the whole world is silent, Karat speaks

Noida police were callous: Brinda Karat

If we are to believe CBCNN, nobody of any worth, other than Brinda Karat, spoke against the Nithari killings.

Left's ally criticises CPI(M)

V.P. Singh to launch agitation

Mr. Singh pointed out that the CPI (M) was fighting alongside the Jan Morcha in Dadri, Benares (Uttar Pradesh) and in Maharashtra against SEZs and industrial projects on prime farmland, but in West Bengal it was adopting the opposite policy.

Communist hypocrisy is like the elephant in the drawing room; you just cant miss it.

VP Singh critices CPI(M) but CBCNN says in the headlines that he is launching an agitation. Imagine if he were criticising BJP. CBCNN would scream at the top of its voice that he is criticising BJP. Following that would be two bullet-points saying BJP is anti-poor and CPI(M) is the saviour.

CBCNN must fill the alloted space to leftist news. So inadvertently some criticism of CPI(M) may slip in. And so this article. Even then, the criticism is always guaged.

Blame it on outsiders

Outsiders to blame: CPI (M)

How convinient to blame it on the outsiders when people are opposint CPI(M)'s moves to hand over agricultural land to industries. CBCNN too is using its reporting tactics to lend credibility to CPI(M)'s claims. All speculation by Biman Bose. But CBCNN is inserting specific references to people and places to bolster Bose's fantasies.

Bandh against Left is underplayed by CBCNN

Stray incidents, mixed response in West Bengal

CBCNN is trying to give the impression that there was never a bandh call, just a few stray incidents of protests. Contrast this with how the Left call for bandh was highlighted.

http://cbcnn.blogspot.com/2006/12/highlights-of-left-strike.html

SEZ-opposing Left wants SEZs in WB

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee makes out a case for industrialisation

There is no end to the communist hypocrisy. They oppose industrialization everywhere else in India but go ahead with it in WB, even if it is at the cost of poor farmers.

There was also a plan to develop the area around Haldia into a chemical hub and a special economic zone dealing in electronics to be set up by Videocon in Darjeeling district in north Bengal.

CPI(M) wants SEZ in Haldia, WB. CPI(M) is against SEZs.

Stop SEZs: CPI

Stop acquisition of land for SEZs: CPI

Left opposing industrialization again. But somehow justifying the Singur as an exception. The communist hypocrisy is appalling.

Left driving Pranab's briefing sessions

CPI (M) for continuing peace process with Pakistan

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday asked the Manmohan Singh Government to continue the peace process with Pakistan and work for a breakthrough in an area in which an agreement could be reached.

Pranab is briefing left parties. Pranab is doing all the talking and comrades the listening. But this report is filled with left's statements. And the deliberate tilt to make it appear as if the CPI(M) has taken the initiative for some breakthrough in peace proces.

The briefing is the sequel to a similar exercise the Government held for the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders earlier this week.

I couldnt find that article on CBCNN mentioning that Pranab briefed BJP. Could you guys help me locate it and we can do a quick comparison.

BJP criticism always highlighted

Do not politicise dam project, Congress tells Modi

Congress is indulging in some campaigning and levelleing the usual political allegations. Never one to shy away from expressing its politicl prejudices, CBCNN will highlight anything that demerits BJP.

Drumming up support for CPI(M)

Narayana Murthy backs Buddhadeb

CBCNN has the habit of reporting anyone and anything supporting CPI(M). And it carefully suppresses any criticism of CPI(M).

Godhra not a conspiracy, CBCNN joins the chorus

Godhra riots : Gujarat seeks more time to submit reply

One-sided reporting by CBCNN on Godhra. Only Mukul's statements, on why Godhra is not a conspiracy, are reported. CBCNN is eager to coverup Islamic terrorism.

"Defeat BJP" agenda of CPI(M)

CPI (M) to contest 15 seats in Uttar Pradesh

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will be "cooperating with the maximum number of secular parties" to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party and "prevent any possibility of its coming to power after the polls" in Uttar Pradesh, general secretary Prakash Karat said here on Thursday.

Hate-filled agenda of CPI(M). BJP is not the party in power either at state or center. So, why this focus of defeating BJP? Karat did tell us earlier that it is because BJP is not fighting for minority appeasement.

CPI(M) is contesting for 15 seats. CBCNN wont tell us how many seats are there because it would make CPI(M) look irrelevant. Instead it will fill that space with party rhetoric.

"The party will seek to project policies, which are in the interests of the working people and for the planned development of Uttar Pradesh."

Karat ad nauseum

Beware BJP's new-found communal plank: Karat

Watching CBCNN grease up and bend over so many times in a day can cause nausea to anyone.

Karat is repeating the usual stuff. Never mind, CBCNN will still report it as a national event.

Daily dose of Karat

Kerala issues will be sorted out: Karat

Dont ask me why this article deserves to be Front Page news. The ombudsman will say "editorial judgment", which means communist propaganda.

Permanent government of WB

Singur and beyond

Thanks to Prasanna for pointing out.

There has been a bottled-up demand for industry and consequently industrial land in West Bengal — and the Tata Motors project at Singur is a test case for whether this demand can be met. Under the circumstances, the permanent government of the State has made it clear that it will consolidate and strengthen its agrarian base but will diversify into industry as well.


CBCNN gives the government responsiblities of West Bengal permanently to CPI(M). We have been reading CBCNN long enough and we know it is not surprising to us that CBCNN is pushing the envelope of campaigning for communist parties. As they say of communist parties in India, "One man, One vote, One time".


The relatively tame end to her hunger strike seems to have disappointed the ragbag of political friends — ranging from Naxalites through communal elements to free-floating and freelancing NGOs and individuals

Once again, CBCNN is associating Mamta with naxalites.

prasanna thinks CBCNN is “Medai pechalar” of the CPM

Pallavi's time warp

Links between a nation's past and future

From the article, I understand that China is doing everything wrong by destroying its culture and replacing with a fake, sophisticated modernity. India on the other hand has not disowned its past and is doing whatever best it can to retain it. So why is Pallavi Aiyar asking India to learn from China? Conditioned mind, I guess.

CPI(M) opposes land for SEZs

Bardhan counsels caution

"In the name of setting up SEZs thousands of acres are being given to big companies not for the sake of industries but for promoting real estate speculation," Mr. Karat said

Meanwhile, CPI(M) allocates land to the Indonesian conglomerate, the Salim Group, at Nandigram in Purbo Medinipur district. The Salim group is notorious for its corrupt practises in Indonesia.

Five policemen were injured when they were attacked by a mob at Nandigram earlier in the day. The mob ransacked a local gram panchayat office and set ablaze a police vehicle.

I cant figure out how this incident is related to what Bardhan is saying. Why isnt CBCNN giving more info? What is it trying to hide?

40th anniversary celebrations of the party mouthpiece

Karat for nation-wide scientific land-use policy

41st foundation day of the Bengali daily "Ganashakti" is celebrated in Kolkata. The mouthpiece of CPI(M) party in Bengali is "Ganashakti" and in English it is CBCNN.

Karat thunders, "We [the CPI (M)] shall oppose giving up land to big companies cheaply."

Buddhadeb says that we must move on towards greater industrialisation even if that means encroachment on farmland.

Karat and Buddhadeb were speaking in the same function and were obiously interpreting the party's agenda on industrialisation. But the audience are totally confused. Is CPI(M) for industrialisation or not?

"Our party is a national party and what is applicable for West Bengal should be applicable in the rest of the country," Mr. Karat pointed out.
CPI(M) wants to assume an air of grandiosity about its existence. CBCNN propogates this view through its papers.