I would also say most of our reflections often depend actually on the type of questions we probe into. A question such as, “are there no possibilities of outside party movements now” is to my view calls for equally problematic answer. Clearly this is a question that seeks a yes/no answer–no denying that. Moreover, the important question for a revolution anytime in history is not ‘if there is any scope’, but ‘how to’ build one. As Castro said prophetically once, the onus of the revolution lies with the revolutionary. If we miss the opportunity or if we do not work towards understanding conditions and contribute to them, then, only the in-party/out-party dilemmas would continue to surface.

A party demands participation in the party affairs. Even as people may become members of the party (like most Soviet citizens once were) it is not expected that they work the nitty-gritty of the organizational setup, considering their other primary occupations. And even when people are not members of the party (like most of us in the world are), it is not necessary that we refrain from forwarding constructive critiques of the party. Having said that, no party whose aims/goals are not in consonance with the peoples it claims to represent can continue to be successful. Hence proverbially it is said, people often deserve the kind of government they elect.

In this sense, the aspirations of the working class of the world must be truly represented by a party that claims itself to be communist. In doing so, the party would have justified its position. Unfortunately, when a communist party(ies) (as in India) fail(s) entirely to stand the test (by extending supports to puppets of capitalist class in greedy power structure), the question “Are there any” becomes redundant. The only question that matters now, is “how to build it now”.

And to that, come, all of us peoples–in small and large measures, across religions and classes, across races and castes. across nations and boundaries. The movement–against the domestic neoliberals and international capitalists–is waiting to sweep across the planet. Most of us are impacted negatively by the land-grabbers. And we dont look at our party affiliations or job positions or the name of our church when we are deprived of equal claim to the earth’s resources. And when we respond back–in every form possible for us, organizing through letters, speeches, and prison camps; inside schools, colleges, and marketplaces; against the greedy corporate bosses, sensational fox/cnn, and amazingly unbelievable mainstream politicians–we would not be looking at any party credentials. If we are members, well and fine. If we are not, well and fine. Revolution does not wait for ID cards. Neither does it wait for a tiny group of future ruling class. Only thing it requires for its goals to be fulfilled is a solidarity amongst peoples that have come together for the greater cause to bring about true equity and equality devoid of substantial or monopolistic private gains.

If we cannot stand in solidarity during our times–these times, we would have set a very ugly example for the future generations of radical minds, indeed a pathetic one. We owe it to the future of the earth to set out the goals afresh if we need amendments to any manifesto. But we also owe it to the future, to work towards realizing the goals ourselves without getting deterred by who has joined the party, or who has not joined one. Its the merry-making ‘Party’ after the liberation of mother earth from the current ‘owners’ that is the only party which matters. We will have fun, and we know that. A great celebration where we will not have to buy Archies greetings cards to invite anyone. Everyone will feel automatically invited. Thats the party. And this hope of that morning which Sahir once pinned for, is the great hope which we should strive for by working together, while we smile, and sing: Saathi Haath Badhana….

Laal Salaam!
Saswat