He said that small traders must unite with farmers and workers against corporate loot and the new labour codes. The triangular unity of farmers, workers and small traders can strengthen the struggle.
Comrade Dipankar said that today small shops are shutting down, government jobs are vanishing, and the condition of farmers and workers is deteriorating. In Bihar too, there has been no concrete initiative for small shopkeepers, farmers or workers. The focus remains on overbridges, metro and airport projects while small markets, local industries and trade receive no support. He emphasized that peace, harmony and brotherhood are essential for any business to thrive. But today, crime, frenzy and anarchy dominate society, which is extremely harmful for trade.
He further said that the Constitution is under direct attack today. Only the rule of law and the Constitution can stop injustice. The country earned freedom with dignity, but now the government is bowing before American arrogance. Also the decisions like demonetisation and GST have devastated the economy. In Bihar, loan recovery is becoming a tool of exploitation of women, and incidents of suicide are rising.
Com. Dipankar said that Bihar needs a change and the present government must be removed. He described the double-engine government as a “fraud bulldozer” which is becoming a barrier in the path of development.
CPI(ML) MP from Karakat, Comrade Rajaram Singh, addressing the conference, said that crime must be resisted and an atmosphere of peace and fraternity must be built for trade to grow and be safe. He attacked the Modi government for wrecking the economy to benefit a few big capitalists and attempting to bring back autocracy. The people of Bihar will never accept this.
The conference concluded as a significant intervention on the issues of security, dignity and survival of small and medium traders. CPI(ML) MP from Arrah, Sudama Prasad took the lead in this initiative. He demanded the formation of a Business Security Commission as the first and foremost demand. He cited the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna, which has shocked the entire business community.
The presidium of the event included Comrade Sudama Prasad, former operator of Lemonchus Factory Patna Shambhunath Mehta, furniture trader Surendra Singh, president of Bhojpur Brick Kiln Association Umashankar Yadav, cement trader Poonam Devi, footpath vendor leader Shehzade Alam, CPI(ML) MLA from Sikta Virendra Prasad Gupta, Shiv Ganga Bus driver Ishwar Dayal Singh, grocery trader from Forbesganj Ranjan Bhagat, Hindustan Tyres owner Ganga Sah, and Rice Mill Association representative Sachchidanand Rai.
