CPM opposes Bidaris appointment

BANGALORE: The State Unit of Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) on Tuesday expressed dissent over the appointment of Shankar Mahadev Bidari as the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) and questioned the State government for neglecting the seniority of senior police officer  A R Infant. The party said that Bidari has been facing the charges of violation of human rights when he was heading the Special Task Force constituted to arrest brigand Veerappan.“The bypassing of one candidate over another is ok. But Bidari has allegations against him. Bidari’s name has figured in a report of a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) panel headed by Justice A J Sadashiva. How can he be appointed as head of the State Police force?” questioned V G K Nair, the party’s State Secretary.  The CPM urged the State government to reconsider its decision over the appointment of Director General and Inspector General of Police. Also, the party accused the State government of not taking a firm stand on the superstition of Made Snana. “The practice of Made Snana is unconstitutional, unscientific and promotes casteism. The government is doing nothing in the name of respect for feelings of the people,” said Nithyananda Swamy, CPM secretariat member. The party further called for a legal approach to ban the ‘unacceptable’ practice. “We have had caste system for centuries. The government cannot say that it is respecting people’s feelings. Its stand is unacceptable. There is great need for a legal approach,” added Swamy. ‘Govt Should Invest in Agriculture’ “Facilitating entry of corporates into the agricultural sector is bad. Considering the number of farmers’ suicides and suffering, the entire exercise is not good,” said Nair. He added that it was the result of the entry of corporate investment into agriculture that the suffering of farmers had increased. He alleged that false promises were made to the farmers that their yield would get good rates. “That is the promise being made. While farmers may get good rates initially, it is dangerous to trust the corporates in the long run,” said Swamy. The party urged the State government to make public all the agreements signed during the Global Agri-Business Meet. “It is not enough for CM to install CCTVs in his office. There has to be transparency in the entire investment process,” said S Y Gurushanth, CPM member. He added that more than corporate companies, the government has to invest in agriculture.