CPI Leader Demands Full Statehood for J&K, Delhi

Newly re-elected CPI General Secretary D Raja on Friday demanded the immediate restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, along with granting statehood to Delhi and Puducherry. Speaking to media in Chandigarh after the conclusion of the party’s five-day national congress, Raja emphasized that these territories have long deserved full administrative autonomy.

Electoral Strategy Against BJP

Raja outlined the CPI’s comprehensive strategy for upcoming state elections, focusing on strengthening leftist and progressive forces to challenge the BJP’s dominance. He accused the ruling party of misusing governmental authority to manipulate the electoral process and called upon the Election Commission to provide clarity on these concerning developments.

The CPI leader strongly criticized the BJP for attempting to divide citizens along religious lines while making policy decisions that primarily benefit corporate interests. He highlighted the resulting consequences of rising unemployment, inflation, and deepening economic inequality across the nation.

Regional Demands and Criticisms

Punjab CPI leaders, including state secretary Bant Brar and senior leader Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal, supported the statehood demands while raising specific regional concerns. They argued that Chandigarh, established by displacing Punjab villages, should be transferred to the state, with Punjabi implemented as the official language.

The party also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party’s performance in Punjab, criticizing their failure to fulfill key election promises including the restoration of the old pension scheme and farmer loan waivers.

Raja announced that the CPI would launch a comprehensive campaign to hold the central government accountable for these pressing economic and social issues, positioning the party as a voice for progressive change in Indian politics.