The CPI(ML) organised a solemn and emotional memorial meeting in memory of Comrade Raja Bahuguna at the Municipal Corporation Auditorium in Haldwani on December 14. The meeting was addressed by CPI(ML) General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya along with representatives of various political and social organisations.
Comrade Raja Bahuguna, who served as Chairperson of the Central Control Commission of CPI(ML), passed away on November 28 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His demise has caused an irreparable loss not only to Uttarakhand but to democratic and movement-oriented forces across the country.
Addressing the gathering, CPIML General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya said that Comrade Raja Bahuguna was an extremely important link in the people’s movements of Uttarakhand. He was unwavering in his ideology and remarkably humble and simple in his personal conduct. He worked consistently to build unity and coordination not only among different communist streams but also among all progressive and people-oriented forces. He would always be remembered as a strong bridge among democratic forces.
Comrade Dipankar said that even while battling a serious illness, Comrade Raja kept a close watch on the political and social situation of the country and continued to guide comrades. He played a leading role in the anti-liquor movement, the Chipko forest movement and the Uttarakhand statehood movement. He said that at a time when fascist forces are intensifying their offensive, the loss of Comrade Raja Bahuguna is a major setback for movement-oriented forces. Fulfilling the dream of an exploitation-free society that Comrade Raja envisioned would be the true tribute to him.
Comrade Raja Bahuguna’s life partner Rekha said that he transformed her entire outlook towards life and that the family would continue to carry forward his legacy.
Senior leader of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal Kashi Singh Airy said that Raja Bahuguna had consistently called for unity among all democratic forces, a call that needs to be taken seriously and implemented today.
Senior CPI(ML) leader from Uttar Pradesh, Krishna Adhikari, recalled participating in the Mahatos Mor incident under Raja Bahuguna’s leadership and said that he taught women to fight for dignity and a life of self-respect.
P C Tiwari recalled struggles alongside Raja Bahuguna during the “Nasha Nahi Rozgar Do” campaign and the forest movements, and underlined the relevance of his ideas in the present fascist phase.
The memorial meeting was attended and addressed by senior leaders and activists including CPI state secretary Jagdish Kuliyaal, CPI(M) state secretary Rajendra Purohit, JASAM national president Jahoor Alam, CPIML Polit Bureau member Sanjay Sharma, AIKM national secretary Purushottam Sharma, Veteran CPIML leader Bahadur Singh Jangi, historian Prof Ajay Rawat, High Court Bar Association president Durga Singh Mehta, advocate Kailash Joshi, poet Balli Singh Cheema, AICCTU Uttarakhand State Secretary K K Bora, ASHA Union president Kamla Kunzwal, along with representatives from farmers’, workers’ and women’s organisations, intellectuals, journalists, writers and hundreds of activists from across the state.
Family members including Rekha, daughter Sanyukta, Parvati Devi, Tushar, Dheeraj and Diksha were also present. The participants collectively resolved to carry forward Comrade Raja Bahuguna’s unfinished dreams and struggles.
The memorial meeting was chaired by CPI(ML) state secretary Indresh Maikhuri and conducted by district secretary Dr Kailash Pandey.
