The BJP, backed by the state machinery, are attacking and intimidating dalits and adivasis in Valsad district of Gujarat who joined the CPI(ML). On 13 June, BJP MLA Raman Patkar from Umargaam constituency in Valsad district, led an assault on the villagers of Ghoriparha and Gadikparha villages. Around 150-200 goons and BJP members, wielding various arms, led by the MLA attacked these villagers. This resulted in serious injuries to several people.
A day before this incident, on 12 June 2011, MLA Raman Patkar and his four sons along with his accomplices conducted another attack on CPI(ML) Liberation leader Kapila Ben, who was the CPI(ML) candidate in last elections.
The attacks are particularly targeted against the CPI(ML) activists who contested elections at various levels including Parliament, Assembly, Zila Panchayat and Village Panchayats.
During the last elections, BJP MLA Raman Patkar and his men regularly harassed and attacked CPI(ML) members and destroyed party posters, banners, and other election materials. These incidents provide the background for current spree of attacks and intimidation. The ruling party there is trying to muzzle the voices of political dissent by violence and intimidation.
When CPI(ML)’s Valsad district committee Secretary Laxman Vadia approached the Valsad DSP, Collector and Umargaam police station to seek intervention against such attacks, he found that the police refused to heed him. A false counter case was filed by the attackers against CPI(ML) activists. The police inspector at Umargaam police station even told the CPI(ML) leaders that “There is BJP rule in Umargaam, and if you people will persist with the red-flag party here, I myself will have to shoot you!”
The Valsad Party District Secretary Shri Laxmanbhai Vadia is also receiving threats to his life by the local MLA and his men, while the attackers are still roaming free, wielding arms. In order to save his life, Comrade Laxmanbhai Vadia had to flee from his house and remain in hiding.
