Dear Sir,

I am writing to thank the CC of the CGPI for its highly principled, analytical and balanced statement entitled ``Buddhadev's apology is not acceptable! This is not communism!'' published on the web-site of the Party. The statement captures the facts of the case and justly condemns Mr. Buddhadev Bhattacharjee for his callous, arrogant and obnoxious statement regarding the so-called "recapture'' of Nandigram in terms of the resistance being paid back in its own coin. The language as well as the actions are those of fascists, drunk with their own state power and their extreme disdain for opposition. The statement also points out the enthusiasm that the CPM has shown over the years to settle scores with its opponents through force, behavior unbecoming of any democrat, let alone that of a communist. The statement also captures the mood of thousands of intellectuals who have come out against this behaviour and against state terror, and I would like to join the CC in extending my support to such men and women of conscience.

On the other hand, the objective development of resistance to the CPM's plans of being investor friendly and its support to the proposed SEZ has led to serious problems to its supporters, especially amongst the ranks of the intelligentsia. Of note is a statement signed by several well known intellectuals from the USA and UK which pleads for not splitting the left at this time over Nandigram, as the defining struggle of the time is that of opposition to US imperialism. Suffice it to say that the opposition to imperialism is indeed one of the defining struggles of the time, but it must be pointed out here that the struggle is a multi-faced one and to somehow hand over the glory of leadership of this struggle to the CPM and the likes of CPM would simply belie facts. Such struggles are going on world over and to plead for mercy for the CPM on this pretext would be a great disservice to that movement.

Furthermore, others have argued that the detractors of the CPM are able to carry about their business due to the retreat of the `threat of communal fascism.' The bogey of communal fascism in India is a pretext and a cover for the anti-people activities of the Indian ruling circles that take place under the protection of the Left Front Government or under Governments led by so called secular parties. There is no materialist basis for the recognition of such a threat. The central problem in India is the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the toiling masses. The Indian State is simply the custodian of these relations. The chief purveyor of violence and fascism in India is the State. Therefore to raise the bogey of communal fascism is tantamount to scare mongering, and to hand over the working people as sheep for slaughter to the wolf that is the bourgeoisie under the pretext of support to the organized Left.

It has also been argued that such opposition to the CPM is tantamount to destruction of politics. I would like to submit here that it is infact to the contrary; the opposition of traditional supporters and those who have been outside at this time is an act of conscience in speaking out against state terror and deserves applause. The events alluded to above may yet signal a new beginning, one where important matters are no longer left to the mouthpieces and parties of the bourgeoisie. There is scope to look beyond these straightjackets and search for a path to open the doors to a fresh future for the country.

Communists must stay at the forefront of this struggle and provide the leadership, and not be swayed and browbeaten by arguments presented in superior polemic and style. They must recognize the form and content of arguments for what they are. This is what Marxism-Leninism teaches us.

Sincerely,
A. Narayan
Bangalore