Comrades, it was a difficult decision we had to take, postponement of the Parliament March on 12th March, 2020 , after completing all the preparations. CHQ had arranged accommodation to all the comrades coming from far off circles. Invitations were sent to address the March to all the important AUAB leaders, Com.Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU, Com.P R Natarajan MP and Com.Benoy Viswam MP etc. Press Release was also issued highlighting the issue and the negative stand of the government. Thousands of our comrades had booked their to and fro tickets to participate in the Parliament March enthusiastically. No doubt, the Parliament March would have been the biggest event not only in the history of AIBDPA but also the entire pensioners movements in the country.

The first challenge came in the form of communal riots in some parts of Delhi and there were compulsions for the postponement. But CHQ took a firm stand against the postponement and later it was proved to be correct. But the growing threat of the deadly corona virus, which has been declared as a pandemic, is something different and we cannot risk the lives of thousands of participants who are all aged and some ailing also. It was in this background that CHQ took the decision to defer the programme.

Considering the unprecedented response of the pensioners all over the country to the 4 phased agitational programme, we decided that a Protest Day be organised at SSA levels on the same date of the proposed Parliament March. It was necessary to keep up the tempo and the call has been responded massively by holding Dharna/ Demonsration with encouraging participation despite the threat of Corona virus. In Kerala, where more cases are reported and the State government deciding against travel and gatherings, exemption was given to skip the programme. 

CHQ heartily congratulate all the leaders who took the initiative to hold the programe within a short notice and all the participants. Of course, the updatig has been delayed due to the illness of General Secretary since 07-03-2020.

Some of the photos received is being updated circle wise. 

COM.A K BHATTACHARJEE, PRESIDENT ADDRESSING THE MASS DHARNA OF KOLKATA TELEPHONES AT TELEPHONE BHAWAN.