Have MPs turned into 'gang of capitalists', asks CPM's Brinda Karat

Gadchiroli (Maharashtra): Senior CPI-M leader Brinda Karat on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi government is virtually "snatching away" the rights of tribals and farmers and wondered whether Parliament has turned into an "assembly of capitalists".

The Narendra Modi government is virtually snatching away the rights of tribals and farmers by bringing "anti-people" laws related to land acquisition and mining. It is very unfortunate no Member of Parliament, even those elected from reserved constituencies, is vociferously raising voice against this, she said.

The CPM leader was addressing a public meeting organised by Adivasi Mahasabha and Bharat Jan Andolan in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra on Monday. Karat was critical of the passage of Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Bill, and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill in Parliament.

She termed them, besides the Land Acquisition Bill (passed in Lok Sabha), as being against the interest of tribals and farmers, and wondered whether Parliament has turned into "punjipatioh ka giroh" (gang of capitalists). Tribals should have right on natural resources. Even though Parliament has passed these "black laws", people will not allow their resources to be looted. They will fight back and their struggle against these laws will spread to all over the country in near future, Karat said.

Addressing the rally, Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) president Prakash Ambedkar said big industrialists and corporate houses are "looting" the natural resources. He called upon like-minded parties and organisations to launch a combined fight against this loot.

Selling these resources to corporates is like selling out the country itself, Ambedkar said. He underlined the need to set up autonomous councils for tribal areas as enshrined in the Constitution.

These councils will be helpful in enacting special laws for tribal areas and ensuring their welfare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to bring back to India the black money stashed abroad but he has done nothing in this regard so far, Ambedkar said.