On the Palestine issue, the CPI resolution called for justice, peace, and an end to the Israeli occupation.
The 25th Congress of the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday adopted key resolutions on several issues, including Palestine, the “imperialist blockade” in Cuba, natural disasters, universal healthcare, and the next-generation GST reforms.
On the Palestine issue, the CPI resolution called for justice, peace, and an end to the Israeli occupation.
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The 25th Congress of the CPI reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in their protracted struggle for national liberation, justice, and sovereignty.
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“The CPI recalls its historic position in support of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establish an independent, sovereign State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 borders,” the CPI resolution stated.
The 25th Congress of the CPI also expressed deepest condolences for the massive loss of life, destruction of homes, and displacement of millions of Palestinians caused by Israel’s relentless bombardments, siege, and military assaults on Gaza and the West Bank.
“We stand firmly with the Palestinian people in their just cause against occupation, apartheid policies and violations of international humanitarian law,” it added.
CPI resolution calls GST reforms another ‘jumla’ by Modi government
Calling the next-generation GST reforms a ‘jumla’ or gimmick in English, the CPI said that the Modi government fleeced Rs 20 lakh crore from the people of India in the last eight years under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
“According to the PM and FM, the recent changes would reduce the GST by Rs 2.5 lakh crore, and hence it is a bonanza for the people. But what does it really mean? It means that in the last 8 years, a total of Rs 20 lakh crore (2.5 lakh crore X 8 years) was fleeced from the people. Instead of claiming it as a festival of savings, the government should feel ashamed of this festival of looting the savings of the people,” the CPI resolution read.
The CPI Congress also highlighted the “potential adverse consequences” on economic equity, fiscal stability, and the well-being of ordinary citizens, emphasising that those low-income and middle-income households have to bear a disproportionately heavy burden.
It also urged policymakers to reconsider the reforms to prevent further widening of socio-economic inequalities.
Resolution on universal healthcare and natural disasters
The Communist Party of India resolution reaffirmed that health is a fundamental right and that universal access to free quality healthcare is essential for the social and economic development of our country.
It noted that despite some progress, India’s health system continues to be constrained by low public investment, high out-of-pocket expenditure, and uneven access across regions and communities.
“Public spending on health remains below 2% of GDP, pushing millions into poverty every year due to medical costs,” it stated.
Calling for an urgent need to achieve Universal Healthcare, the CPI Congress resolution demanded the inclusion of health as a fundamental right in the Constitution.
It called for an increase in public health expenditure from 3 per cent of GDP to 6 per cent of GDP. Upgrading and expanding rural health infrastructure, promoting digital health and gender inclusive policies in all national and state health programmes were the other key demands of the resolution.
Read full resolution text here
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