The political, socio-economic situation in the country is alarming and requires a change of direction. At present, with the manipulative consecutive tenure of the BJP Government, freedom, democracy, equality, social justice, equity, socialism and secularism — the basic constitutional commitments of the nation — are in peril. Manipulation is the architectural approach of the government to de-stabilise the cardinal principles enshrined in the Constitution. Democracy is de-railed.

On the pretext of unity, the present reign is attempting to establish one man, one party, one nation — a dictatorial system of majoritarian Hindutva communalism. This was the declaration of the Rashtriya Swayam Seva Sangh during the freedom struggle. The opportunity of getting power on account of the failure of the Congress government allowed the BJP to capture power and advance in these lines. BJP, being the mouthpiece of Rashtriya Swayam Seva Sangh, is implementing the policies of the Sangh Parivar.

The latest incident of suspension of all opposition members of Parliament and conducting business without any opposition is the latest example of authoritarianism and dictatorship — the darkest face of democracy. The recent attack in Parliament House, the incidents of Pulwama and Balakot, are suspicious and manipulative. The conversion of the slogan of unity into that of one leader, one nation, one government, one party, seems to be the sole aim of the present government.

BJP aspires for a third consecutive term to fulfil their ambition. A road map is prepared to achieve this end. The introduction of the Electronic Voting Machine is also suspected as a manipulation in the electoral process. It appears that the Congress alone is not in a position to displace the present reign or to build a viable opposition against these dictatorial steps. A wider and larger unity is required. Policies based on socialism, equality, secularism and democracy must be presented before the people as a unified programme of the opposition.

The socio-economic situation is worsening day by day. The poor are unable to find their livelihood. Poor are becoming further poor. The unemployment rate is increasing by geometric proportion. Price rises are spiralling. The common person finds it difficult to meet their livelihood. Poverty is increasing. In world rankings, India is equated with Sub-Saharan Africa in the human development index.

The government claims that millions of people have been brought out of poverty — yet it simultaneously claims that free food is given to 85 crore people out of a total population of 135 crore. Employment generation is only in highly skilled work, not in ways and means for poor people to find their livelihood. Society is thus divided into a differentiated society of the poorest of the poor, the poor, the middle class, and the upper class.

A small section of society — less than 35% — may have enriched themselves. But 65% have gone further down. The growth of disparity is wide. Poor are becoming poorer and rich are becoming richer. Caste-based divisions are further deepened. The atrocities arising from cow vigilantism and other issues have only increased the suffering of the poor. Even the law and order situation has become tense on account of caste-based communal tension.

The vast majority of the people depend on agriculture as their way of life. The farmers had to fight against the four laws brought by the BJP Government that suppressed the rights of the Kisans of India. Their continuous fight against the government compelled it to withdraw the legislation enacted by Parliament. But the agricultural sector has still not been rearranged such that land belongs to the tiller. Opportunities for exploitation by monopolies and corporates are permitted by the government.

Workers are considered commodities. Capital has captured the world of production. Workers are converted as paid slaves of the corporate sector. The Labour Code enacted by Parliament has withdrawn all the guarantees given in the Constitution, ILO Conventions, and Labour Legislation.

Wealth has concentrated in a few people. They have become a super-government. Government-owned properties, industries, factories, railways, airports, and ports have all been given to corporate sources. The government has taken a stand fully supporting the corporate sector and entrusting public properties for their enjoyment. Such corporates have become super-powerful — they control the affairs of the government, and in turn a new system has emerged: Crony Capitalism.

There is corporate funding for political parties. Published accounts show that the expenditure of political parties in government is originated from these corporates. Corruption is the child of this new fusion of corporate and ruling political party. This negates the people's will. A government in power may be able to continue in power with the support of these corporates. The growth of this crony capitalism and the vicious relationship between corporates and political parties must be demolished by making the people aware of this conspiracy.

Social degradation and the continuance of the caste system stand in the way of social justice. The majority of the population is poor, socially backward, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe. This reality must be brought to light. Everyone should be aware of their share and right.

The divided society of India requires a caste census to make the people aware of their rights. Development should be inclusive. Every citizen is entitled to their share in the nation's wealth. A few favourites shall not be assigned the facilities to acquire and amass wealth at the cost of public wealth. Most of the corporates are the creation of the government — in turn, governments are now becoming the creation of corporates. The policy-makers discard the people and consider only the corporates — 1 to 10% of the population. But 90% are out of the orbit of development.

The 4th Industrial Revolution has brought changes all over the world. There has been a drastic change in the relationship and mode of production. Artificial Intelligence and Robotism have changed the relationship and mode of production. The importance of human beings has reduced. Consequently, there is a degradation of humanism. Power, money, and technology have become relatively more important than human beings. Commoditisation of human beings is taking place rapidly.

Persons in power, having influence and means of controlling the productive apparatus, take the front seat — relegating the masses to dismay and despair. Equality of men and women is the cardinal principle of socialism. A corporate-favoured reign will give no consideration to the totality of the masses. Hence, socialists will have to swim against the tide and fight for equality, equity, and social justice.

Having given thought to the above-mentioned facts and considering the emerging situation, the Socialist Party India decided to support the new formation 'INDIA' and to stand united and fight against the BJP in the forthcoming 2024 Parliament Election.

The party reiterates that it will stand for strengthening and developing the constitutional commitments of freedom, democracy, secularism, and socialism. Social justice is a goal to be achieved with priorities. The party will strive for building a nation devoid of caste, creed, and discrimination.

People's agitation will be the programme of the party, apart from participating in elections in collaboration with other opposition parties. Equality and social justice are the accepted principles of the Socialist Party India. The party considers that a caste-based census will enable the backward classes, castes, and tribes to find their rightful share in the nation's wealth.