US and Allies Accused of Fueling Global Turmoil
At the 27th EMS Smrithi event in Thrissur, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby sharply criticized the United States and its allies for steering the world towards chaos through aggressive geopolitical maneuvers. The gathering commemorated communist ideologue E.M.S. Namboodiripad on his birth anniversary.
Baby vehemently condemned what he termed ‘American imperialism’, accusing Washington of devising strategies to dominate and exploit developing nations, including India. He highlighted the US's unwavering support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict in Gaza, asserting that Israel’s airstrikes on Iran are dragging the world deeper into instability.
Risks of Rising Far-Right Extremism
Expressing concern about a looming global surge in far-right extremism, Baby warned the full extent of its consequences remains uncertain. He pointed to India’s growing alignment with US strategic interests, criticizing the BJP government for fostering communal divisions under the guise of nationalism.
Domestically, Baby emphasized an alarming paradox: despite India ranking as the world's fourth-largest economy, approximately 830 million people still face hunger. In response, he announced a national strike by the working class slated for July 9, opposing the BJP’s economic policies.
Kerala’s Stand Against Imperialist Economic Models
Praising Kerala’s resistance to imperialist-driven corporate agendas, Baby spotlighted the state’s alternative development strategies, including projects like Vizhinjam, which embody this vision. However, he accused the Central government of deliberately hindering Kerala's progress through biased allocations and stalling foreign aid acceptance—for instance, Kerala was denied permission for aid during the 2018 floods, while Maharashtra received approval.
He insisted Kerala possesses the potential to pioneer equitable development policies, reinforcing that the leadership legacy of EMS remains crucial today.
Economic Inequality Amplified by Neoliberalism
Adding to the discourse, CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat addressed the EMS Smrithi seminar on “Rising Inequality.” He linked the deepening global and national wealth gap directly to reckless US trade policies and neoliberal capitalism.
- Globally, two-thirds of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of the richest 1%.
- In India, the richest 40% hold a disproportionate share of wealth.
- Since Narendra Modi took power, the number of billionaires has doubled from 100 to 200, reflecting neoliberal policy impacts.
Highlighting that inequality extends beyond economics, Karat stressed that access to essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare remains out of reach for many. Nevertheless, Kerala continues to uphold its welfare state model despite economic challenges.
