"Protecting Constitution is our biggest responsibility": CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 29 (ANI): Former Member of Parliament and senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Subhashini Ali, underlined the urgent need to safeguard the Indian Constitution while participating in a movement against 'anti-people' policies. The event was part of the party's 18th state convention in Himachal Pradesh.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) launched a major movement against what it described as 'anti-people' policies by organising its 18th state convention in Shimla on Thursday.
The convention began with a protest rally highlighting critical issues such as rising inflation, unemployment, and unfulfilled promises made by the central and state governments.
Prominent CPIM leaders, including Subhashini Ali, Tapan Sen, former MLA Rakesh Sinha, and former Shimla mayor Sanjay Chauhan, participated in the event alongside members of the public.
While addressing the event Subhashini Ali said, "Today, protecting the Constitution is our biggest responsibility." Ali criticized the central government for undermining fundamental rights, particularly those of women, farmers, and workers. She also aimed at the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promise of providing Rs 1,500 monthly financial assistance to women, a pledge that was a key factor in its electoral victory.
Ali expressed concern over the hardships faced by people in Himachal Pradesh, particularly women and young girls, citing policies that have exacerbated inflation and unemployment. "In the hills, women and young girls are being deprived of their rights, and the anti-people policies of the central government have made life even more difficult for the common man," she said.
She also accused Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of succumbing to central government pressure. She alleged that the state government has neglected education and healthcare, leading to school closures, teacher shortages, and compromised healthcare infrastructure. "Education and healthcare are being dismantled, and promises to women remain unfulfilled. This is nothing short of a betrayal of the people," Ali remarked.
Describing the Shimla rally as "a gathering of struggling masses," Ali declared that the CPIM would intensify its efforts to mobilize farmers, women, students, and unemployed youth across Himachal Pradesh. She vowed that the party would lead a larger movement, reaching every village in the state and eventually spreading nationwide. "We will fight against privatisation, rising atrocities on women, and policies that deprive girls of education. This movement will not stop here," she asserted.
Ali also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly attempting to regain power in Himachal Pradesh by stoking communal tensions. She accused the BJP of creating a divisive atmosphere to distract from real issues like inflation, unemployment, and public welfare. "They are creating a communal atmosphere to distract from real issues like inflation, unemployment, and public welfare," she said.
She further blamed the Himachal Pradesh government for failing to secure disaster relief funds from the central government. "The state government has not received the funds it needs to recover from recent disasters, and the people are left to suffer," Ali added.
Ali addressed the ongoing debates surrounding historical temples and mosques, criticising efforts to raise communal disputes over places of worship. She referred to the Places of Worship Act (1991), which prohibits altering the status of places of worship as they existed in 1947.
She also expressed concern that even the judiciary is entertaining cases that violate this law. "The 1991 law clearly states that no further disputes regarding places of worship can be brought to court, but this is not being adhered to," Ali said.
The CPI (M) leader warned that raising disputes about sites like Ajmer Sharif and historical temples would only increase conflicts and distract from critical issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare. "Ajmer Sharif belongs to everyone; it is visited by Hindus even more than Muslims. Why are we wasting time on such issues when there are so many urgent challenges to address?" she asked.
Ali reiterated the need for the judiciary to act as the guardian of the law and resist the temptation to entertain divisive cases. "The judiciary must uphold the 1991 law and refuse to entertain disputes that aim to divide people. It is not the court's job to dig up old conflicts--it is their job to protect the law and ensure justice for all," she stated.
Ali further urged people to resist communal divisions and focus on building a united movement to address pressing issues. "We must move forward, not backward. Protecting the Constitution, ensuring justice, and addressing the people's needs should be our priorities," she said. (ANI)