Patna May 16(BiharTimes): The 12th State Conference of the CPI(ML) held in Darbhanga on Saturday emerged as a significant platform for opposition unity, with leaders from various INDIA alliance parties jointly calling for mass resistance against what they termed as “bulldozer politics,” authoritarian governance, and alleged attacks on democratic institutions under the BJP-led NDA government.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya alleged that the ruling establishment had established complete control over key institutions, urging citizens to launch what he described as a “new battle for freedom” to reclaim democracy. He said the country was witnessing a shift away from good governance toward what he characterised as open endorsement of bulldozer-driven politics.
Calling for public mobilisation, Bhattacharya urged people to stand firmly “for truth against falsehood” and resist repression with courage. He also drew international comparisons, claiming that people in Iran had compelled powerful nations like the United States and Israel to yield, while alleging that India’s current foreign policy trajectory was harming its global standing.
The Left leader further accused Prime Minister, Narendra Modi of invoking patriotism to deflect responsibility for ongoing crises onto the poor, asserting that the government itself was accountable. He emphasised what he called a “twin responsibility” — bringing transformative change within the country while resisting global imperialist forces and their domestic allies.
Bhattacharya also stressed the need for unity within the INDIA alliance, urging constituent parties to work together toward common goals while maintaining ideological diversity.
RJD state president Mangani Lal Mandal highlighted issues such as rising poverty and violence against women, while criticising what he termed discriminatory policies under the NDA’s “double-engine government.” He alleged electoral malpractice, claiming that money distribution during elections went unchecked by authorities and observers. Mandal also raised concerns over the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission, calling for public protests.
Senior Congress leader Madan Mohan Jha said the INDIA alliance remained committed to its struggle despite what he described as electoral manipulation and institutional pressure. Praising CPI(ML)’s role, he alleged that democratic values, independent journalism, and dissenting voices were increasingly under threat, and called for an organised movement to restore democratic freedoms.
I.P. Gupta, national president of the Indian Inclusive Party (IIP), also criticised the government over unemployment, inflation, and alleged targeted action against poor settlements. He claimed that bulldozer actions disproportionately affected Dalits and economically weaker sections.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for coordinated opposition efforts and mass mobilisation in the run-up to future political battles in Bihar and beyond.
