Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1071/30189
From The Socialist newspaper, 29 January 2020
London protest against Modi's racist law
Sara Rajan, Tamil Solidarity
Tamil Solidarity called a London demonstration, involving various organisations, to protest the racist, anti-Muslim Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) imposed by the Modi government in India.
Nearly 1,000 people participated in solidarity with the people who are protesting in the streets of India. There was a huge range of speakers.
But speaking from Tamil Solidarity, I was the only one to mention the 8 January 250 million-strong general strike in India. This showed the potential power of the working class.
I pointed out that this is the aggregated anger against Modi's repressive policies. I also mentioned the need for a strong coalition of trade unions and left organisations to build a mass working-class movement. People cheered from the crowd on hearing this.
The Socialist Party also participated. The Socialist paper featured a report of the general strike and a strategy on how to defeat the racist law, written by New Socialist Alternative - the Socialist Party's sister party in India - as well as a report of Tamil Solidarity's annual general meeting. 25 people bought a copy.
From Downing Street, the protestors marched to the Indian High Commission. Our Tamil Solidarity contingent was energetic and loud.Our member Mathan grabbed the crowd's attention with our demands and slogans.
Read 'India: Huge general strike but a missed opportunity' and 'Building Tamil Solidarity with youth and the trade unions' at socialistparty.org.uk
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
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In The Socialist 29 January 2020:
What we think
No 'blank cheque' for Labour leadership candidates
News
End health and wealth divide - fight for our NHS
Unite union nominates Long-Bailey and Burgon
Coronavirus: capitalism limits response to viral outbreaks
HS2 debacle: nationalise rail and construction!
Johnson's Huawei internet deal underlines world trade tensions
Workplace news
University and College Union: Pensions, pay and conditions dispute reach a crucial stage
PCS union elections: Nominate candidates fighting austerity and for union democracy
Interview with a forestry worker
Brexit and the economy
Brexit and British capitalism - why Johnson's juggernaut is set to jackknife
Stop the cuts
Fight the closure of Royal Glamorgan A&E
Save Hampden Nursery in Camden
We need socialists in London's City Hall
Unite regional committee votes to support anti-cuts Enfield councillor
Cuts to women's services cost lives
Campaigns
Socialist sellers: Opposing the Tories & fighting cuts
London protest against Modi's racist law
International news
Libya: Civil war and chaos follow interventions by world and regional powers
Trump's trashing of the environment - Dump the capitalist profit system!
Readers' opinion
TV review: The Trial of Christine Keeler
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