We had a press con at the Press Club yesterday. Apart from coming down heavily on the RSS/BJP for pushing the agenda for a Hindu Rashtra and encouraging intolerance instead of fighting it, the Forum was most critical of the local TMC Govt. As Justice Ganguly put it succinctly, ‘ There is a breakage of the democratic process in Bengal and it can come back only if the people fight for it against the current govt. The TMC can not win elections without rigging and the people in 2016 have to ensure that they exercise their democratic right to vote. It also announced its seminar on the 6th at Iran Society lawns, 12 kyd St, 5. 30 pm where Teesta Setalvad, Sayeed Mahilabaadi, Bharati Mutsuddi, Ratan Khasnabis, Ratanlal Shah, Jagmohan Gill and others would discuss as to ‘How to combat the politics of Communalism

We had begun this fight for a nationwide movement for Rights & Honor for all last year, around this time. We had a huge march on Netaji Jayanti, 23rd of January. Thousands had participated. This time, we are planning a massive public meeting(Target 1 lakh) in Kolkata where people of all religions, political persuasions will attend and give a call for the ‘Fight against Dictatorship, Intolerance and Inequality’!!! This will be held at the Park Circus maiden. With this begins the ‘People’s Brigade’ that we plan to hold every year. Kolkata will witness the best speakers from all over India and across the political spectrum. Teesta Staved has already confirmed! Join Us! We need volunteers. Spread the word & watch this space!