Latest news with #EMSSmrithi
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Neo-fascist regimes divert attention from crisis by targeting minorities: Prabhat Patnaik
Economist Prabhat Patnaik has said that neo-fascist regimes are systematically turning public anger against minorities and immigrants to deflect attention from deepening economic crises. He was speaking on the second day of the EMS Smrithi event held at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall here on Saturday on the topic 'Neoliberalism and Neo-Fascism.' 'These governments deliberately create public resentment against religious minorities and migrant communities, scapegoating them for all national problems,' Prof. Patnaik said. 'It is a strategic diversion to hide their failure in addressing economic distress.' On violent groups He further observed that such regimes not only misuse state institutions for repression, but also rely on violent majoritarian groups to carry out attacks on minorities, creating an atmosphere of fear and division. Pointing to a broader global trend, Prof. Patnaik noted that many nations, including India, are drifting toward neo-fascist rule. A key feature of this shift, he argued, is the growing nexus between corporate capital and authoritarian power. Prof. Patnaik further elaborated on how global arms corporations are actively supported and promoted by neo-fascist powers, who attempt to forge arms trade alliances worldwide. 'Even when they fail to protect their own economy, they resort to imposing steep tariffs on other nations as a desperate measure to overcome economic turmoil,' he added, criticising the emerging tendency to disregard international trade agreements, particularly by the U.S. 'To counter this dangerous rise of neoliberal and neo-fascist forces, it is imperative to implement strong alternative economic policies,' he said. These alternatives, he pointed out, must challenge inequality, protect labour rights, and constitutionally guarantee essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and employment. Prof. Patnaik called for progressive reforms like wealth taxes on the ultra-rich and inheritance taxes on passed-down assets, stressing that only a radical rethinking of the economic order can curb the rising tide of authoritarianism. 'Political struggle' 'Ultimately, this is not just an economic struggle—it is a political one,' he concluded. 'And the working class must lead the charge.' Addressing a session on 'Global Warming and Climate Change' S. Abhilash, director, Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, Cochin University of Science and Technology, said the extreme weather events the world is facing today are not just natural calamities, they are the direct outcome of capitalist patterns of consumption. Dr. Abhilash traced the roots of the climate crisis to the post-1860 Industrial Revolution, which triggered an unprecedented rise in fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. 'This shift has significantly accelerated climate change,' he noted. China currently leads the world in total greenhouse gas emissions, but when measured per capita, the U.S. tops the chart, he pointed out. In response to the mounting crisis, global climate summits are convened under the banner of Conference of Parties (COP). However, geopolitical setbacks like the U.S. withdrawal from the climate accord during Donald Trump's presidency have undermined the collective action, he remarked. 'Climate change is a global phenomenon but its impacts are felt at the local level,' said Dr. Abhilash, emphasising the need for grassroots-level interventions. The crisis, he warned, affects people's livelihoods, public health, and habitat systems, cutting across all aspects of life. Excessive consumption Highlighting the role of excessive consumption in worsening the crisis, he asserted that 'scientific solutions alone are not enough. What we urgently need are political solutions.' CPI general secretary Binoy Viswam, who addressed the valedictory, spoke about the 'Growth of Communal Politics in Kerala.'
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
U.S. and allies driving the world towards turmoil: M.A. Baby
Keeping an eye on the global arms trade, the U.S. and its allies are pushing the world toward chaos, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby has alleged. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 27th edition of 'EMS Smrithi' held at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Hall in Thrissur on Friday. The annual event commemorates communist ideologue E.M.S. Namboodiripad on his birth anniversary. Mr. Baby accused American imperialism of crafting strategies aimed at subjugating and exploiting the Third World countries, including India. He said, 'The U.S. is openly backing Israel, even as it massacres innocent children in Gaza. Israel's aggressive stance is pulling the world into deeper conflict, as seen in its recent airstrikes on Iran.' Far-right extremism Warning of a global surge in far-right extremism, Mr. Baby said the consequences of this trend are yet to fully unfold. 'India has already become a strategic ally of the U.S., and our foreign and trade policies have bowed to American interests,' he added. He further criticised the BJP government for trying to divide people along communal lines under the guise of nationalism. Highlighting domestic issues, he noted that despite India claiming to be the world's fourth-largest economy, 83 crore citizens still face hunger. 'On July 9, the Indian working class will go on a national strike against the BJP government's flawed economic policies,' he said. Alternative models He praised Kerala's resistance to imperialist corporate agendas by implementing alternative models of development. 'Projects like Vizhinjam are part of this vision.' Mr. Baby alleged that the Central government was deliberately stalling Kerala's progress by denying due project allocations and blocking loan approvals. Citing a recent example, he said, 'While the Centre denied Kerala permission to accept foreign aid during the 2018 floods, it has now allowed Maharashtra to do so, a clear display of bias.' He said that Kerala had the capacity to lead the way with alternative policies against exploitative capitalist models. 'The leadership shown by EMS is more relevant than ever today,' Mr. Baby said. This year's EMS Smrithi is themed 'A Changing World and Kerala.' CPI(M) district secretary K.V. Abdul Khader presided over the opening session. A commemorative book on former national secretary Sitaram Yechury was released by Mr. Baby and handed over to Polit Bureau member U. Vasuki. Later, speaking on the topic 'Rising Inequality' as part of the EMS Smrithi seminar series, CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat said, 'The reckless trade policies of the U.S. and the neoliberal approach of global capitalism are intensifying inequality. Today, two-thirds of the world's wealth is in the hands of the richest 1%.' 'More billionaires' 'In India, the top 40% of wealth is hoarded by the elite. When Narendra Modi came to power, the country had 100 billionaires. Now the number has doubled to 200. This is the direct result of neoliberal policies,' Mr. Karat said. He added that inequality isn't just economic. 'Basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare are increasingly out of reach for common people. Yet, Kerala continues to uphold its welfare model despite economic constraints,' he said.
