CPI(M) State committee meeting begins

A three-day meeting of the State committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) began here on Friday. On the agenda are a host of issues including a rectification campaign for the party, organisational matters and the present political situation in the State. These will be taken up at an extended meeting from Saturday.

Senior party leader Shyamal Chakraborty said issues like the ensuing municipal polls in the city are also likely to be discussed at the headquarters at Alimuddin Street. Party general secretary Prakash Karat and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri were also present at the meet.

The plan to initiate such a rectification campaign was first discussed in November last, at a meeting which was presided over by Mr. Karat. The campaign aims at removing the wrong trends and shortcomings of the party so that it becomes stronger and more unified.

As for the municipal elections, party sources said the opinion of the party leaders and workers would be sought during the meeting. The elections due in May 2010 are being seen as a run-up to the State’s Assembly elections scheduled for 2011.

Chinese delegation At the start of the meeting a Chinese delegation from the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament visited the CPI(M) office and met Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for half an hour. Sources said they discussed the India-China friendship and world peace. They were also briefly present during the meeting.

Basu remembered Departed leader Jyoti Basu was also remembered and homage was offered to him at the meeting. The conclave also discussed the February 7 meeting of party workers and supporters proposed to be held at the Brigade Parade  Grounds as a tribute to the party patriarch.