Agartala: The CPI-M in Tripura has faced a serious criticism over the decision to impose control over functioning of media, especially the electronic channels functioning at ground level, at the two-day extended session of the state committee.
In the agenda of organizational functioning, it mentioned that party must interfere in the functioning of electronic media at district level besides, going for regular briefing on the issues. The session concluded on Sunday.
Opposition Congress and BJP along with the civil society organisations had criticised the agenda stating that the CPI-M has now opened their hidden agenda which they had been persuading for long time to ensure a committed media.
BJP spokesperson Mrinal Kanti Deb said, “Leftists were never respectful of democracy and they consider the pillars of democracy, like the media, a class enemy. The statement against media in their action manifesto is shameful and instigation the cadres to consolidated attack on media. We condemn it.” Congress president Birajit Sinha criticised the stand of CPI-M saying, “This is not only objectionable but also an attempt to destroy the democratic spirit of media functioning.
They must rectify it and seek apology for their misdeed besides, ensuring to change the mindset of the party comrades.” Several intellectuals and civil society organisation condemned it. However, party state secretary Bijan Dhar said the matter is being misinterpreted. He said the meeting had decided to enhance internal democracy in the party functioning, said Dhar adding the session discussed the resolution adopted in the party plenum held in Kolkata last December and eight broad decisions had been for further strengthening of the party functioning in changing political situation in the country.
“More liberty has been given on debate and discussion, criticism and introspection of each and every party member as well as the functioning of the party to strengthening Leftists’ ideology besides, facilitating the mass line approach of the party,” Dhar said. He pointed out that in the changing political scenario; the CPM has decided to infuse more revolutionary touch to the party to keep it afloat though it is bit difficult to perform in letter and spirit where party is running a government. Dhar further said the meeting also decided to strengthen the party on the principle of democratic centralism, fight against all social evils and maintain peace and tranquility in the state.
As decided in party plenum, the Tripura CPI-M has priorities bringing young faces in the party function to fight against any divisive forces like BJP and RSS, he said adding that instruction had been given to increase party’s campaign on different pro-people planning, implementing mass-movement based program, improving quality of the party men as well as to strengthen base.
Supporting the alliance between CPI-M and Congress in West Bengal, Dhar said the main goal is to oust the fascist Trinamool Congress from power and prevent the growth of BJP where Congress was found to be an option to fight against bigger enemy. (UNI)
