third front

i do share the optimism of the german left. but certainly beyond a pt when it comes to govern the limitations come to fore. for example in for east the die linke is a participant in the coalition with the spd and so is also a part of the implementation of the neo- liberal policies of the spd causing a lot of opposition amongst the rank and file of die linke.

the swedish expt and the new labour expt were failures and were a set back to the left but we need to go into the specifics of where... and not on a blanket basis.

and we should not shy away from the fact that during the same time the traditional socialist economies in soviet union and china were failing.

we cannot afford to lose the wholistic picture.

we have to have flexible programmes to lead in a capitalist frame work without loosing of final goal of establishing a classless society.

it has to be multipronged.

the main enemy in my perception is the flying capital. the influence of this has to be curtailed. the most powerfull imperialist nation is also unable to fight this new power. we have to participate in the process of weakening this power collaborating with who so ever.

the influential role of the imperiealist super power USA has to curtailed. the influential role of the dollar in international trade has to be curtailed. the european union and the euro is one of the options. freindly relations with france, germany, spain, britain and russia should be entered to break the monopoly of USA. separate free trade agreements can be signed with these nations who are good in technology, who are in need of raw materials, skilled labour from india.

separate free trade agreements can be formed with brazil and south africa who have tremendous technological powress and an enviable market for indian goods.

we should not shy away from having free trade agreements with pakistan, nepal, srilanka and china.

this would substantially reduce the influence of USA.

the co-ordination with all left minded parties across the spectrum from all around the world, as a visual alternative to the capitalist surge and crisis is the need of the hour.

this not only to protect the working class at this crucial juncture but to suggest an alternative which can be implemented.

specifically to india.

if opposition to congress and the bjp is the prime criteria to form a front it is a lost battle.

the left should have an constructive agenda. this agenda should form the basis of any front.

the contradiction doesnot stop here.

the choises are very difficult. some have a very fuedal agenda. congress is a capitalist party pursuing neo-liberal policies. there are a spectrum of parties who are very much fuedal in nature who are opposing this.

bjp happens to be a facist party having its own communal agenda. there are regional political parties who are bi far capitalist and are eager to implement the neo-liberal policies are opposing the bjp due to communal agenda.

when it comes to economics the bjp and the congress has lot in common.

the amalgamation of parties or individuals should be on the basis of constructive program.

here is an oppurtunity for the left to put forward and AGENDA for elections and debate on it.

let us ACT and the others REACT.

regards

prakash kutty

agenda for elections

here is an opportunity for the left and specially cpm to put forward an agenda before the people of india.

within the capitalist frame work, how the left and like minded parties can make a difference to the people of this country.

this agenda should be affirmative in what would be done. and not predominantly what we oppose.

this pertains to job creation. (specifics)

manufacturing is important.

import of manufacturing machines should be duty free.

import of finished products otherwise produced in india should be come with a heavy duty.

import of environment freindly finished products like batteries used for electric cars/cng,lpg kits for alternate fuel should be duty free.

labour intensive sector machinery import should be duty free. for e.g. sewing machine for the garment sector.

specific tax exemptions should be given to manufactures of public transport/mass transport. as opposed to passenger cars.

but india also has to be innovative in its approach to job creation.

building infrastructure,

india needs ports, the roads connecting ports to the main cities and airports.

the waiting period of ships for loading and unloading in ports in india is amongst the highest in the world. the connectivity of the ports to mainland is dismal.

lot of job opportunities can be created in creating, expanding the facilities, and modernising them. ( a specific target of creating new ports(how many), modernizing ports(how many), connecting roads(how many kilometers).

with its vast coastline marine related job creation.

modernization of the fishing trade. trawlers to be manufactured with private sector participation. storage facilities to be provided. export oriented programs to be implemented. infrastucture for the same to modernized on a priority.

tourism

with its rich history and large heritage sites, tourism related job creation.

history graduates should be asked to take up active interest in guiding the tourists. special centers should be set up to train tourist guides.

budget hotels should be encouraged for both foreign and domestic tourists.

new tourist destinations should be declared.

the wide coast line of this nation should be made more accessable to tourists. tourism infrastructure is a specialisation. would be taken seriously.

with its wide exposure to english education, education tourism( having educational centers where foreign students can be attracted).

we have to have speciliation centres where we can guide and give the youth professional touch to implement these ideas.

agriculture.

how agriculture can be profitable. how food security is central to national security. what are the plans to make it profitable.

how many hectres of land would be covered by artificial irrigation. how the bias towards the traders as compared to farmers would be rectified. the fleecing of the farming community by the traders and cartels would be dealt with a iron hand.

the alternate mode of development. (specifics)

sector wise priority.(specifics)

pds

the pds is in a mess. we would ensure minimum food reaches the poor at economical rates. the loop holes in the system will be dealt with strictly. the leakages in the supply would be plugged, with participation of the masses.

infrastructure.

participation of private sector in ports, airports, building of highways, building of metros in cities.(specifics)

participation of mncs in sectors where technology is required. (specifics)

the role of the state in implementing primary education

the role of the private sector (if possible) in the field of education but with strict control by the state. where merit and opportunities are not compromised.

the role of the private sector in medical health.(if possible) the strict control of the state in implementing the reservation for poor patients. in having all the treatments and operations been held with concessional rates for poor patients. (who would be poor patients? since bpl criteria is a failure.)

the role of the general practitioner, the primary health center.

electricity. specific plan to electrify how much of the country(percentage terms/which part of the country) in five years. how?(no of thermal plants, hydro electric plants, nuclear plants etc.)

drinking water. specific plan to provide piped drinking water to how much of the country(percentage/which part of the country). how?(dams, cannals and pipes for how many kilometers.

housing.

low cost housing with the participation of the private sector. strict control by the state.

train connectivity.

how rail connectivity to boost industrial production in certain regions in the country. could also integrate certain sections of the society.(how many more kilometers of rail connectivity and in which regions.)

no state machinery would be brought in force to deal with farmers/ industrial unrest.

no lawlessness would be allowed in the name of "hurting of sentiments". law would take its own course.

how the private sector would work for the state/nation and not the other way round.

these are only some pts.

i have deliberately avoided the terms ANTI-communalism, Anti -imperialism, safeguarding the interests of the working class. ANTI-globalization. etc.

i think they should be incorporated in the constructive agenda.

we form this agenda and then take a lead in lobbying hard with all the individuals in diff parties and all the parties.

lets not react to other ideologies. let us act and others react.

we should lead from the front.

if we have a third front, the convener should be from our party.

this is not a very articulate peice. but take it as a provocation. please respond in proper spirit and constructively.

regards

prakash kutty