In this verification process, the United Forum of BSNL Unions consists of 5 unions  including BSNLEU. The other unions are TEPU, BSNLMS, SEWA BSNL and NFTBE. Except the last, all others were part of the UF even earlier. NFTBE, National Federation of Telecom BSNL Employees, is led by senior leaders R.K.Kohli and N.T.Sajwani, former SG of NFTE.

The United Forum has released its Appeal to the BSNL Workers as also the Charter of Demands adopted by it. It is for the leaders and workers of the alliance unions to give wide propaganda to the achievements of the UF, meet each and every worker and get support and maximum votes in the verification. A minimum of 60% votes is the target of the UF.

West Bengal, Kolkata Telephones, Telecom Factory and Telecom Stores  are the four circles based in W.Bengal. Always these circles have been a strong hold of the progressive section of workers. In all the membership verifications,  good majority of BSNL comrades have supported BSNLEU. The P&T Trade Union movement itself owe much to Bengal from where the pioneers of the movement, Babu Tarapada Mukherjee, Henry Barton, Dada Ghosh and also K.G.Bose, Moni Bose etc. started their trade union work.. Sisir Bhattacharjee, one of the senior most leaders  alive as also Ananta Bhattacharjee, belong to this tradition.

It is in this city of  Kolkata, the capital of W.Bengal, the meeting was held today, 29th December 2010 heralding the Membership Verification campaign. More than one thousand workers were present, who sat inside the CTO hall as also outside. It was jointly presided over by  Saibal Sen Gupta and Adhir Kumar Sen, Circle Secretaries of Kolkata Telephones and Telecom Stores respectively. Animesh Mitra, Circle Secretary, W.Bengal welcomed all. Ananta Bhattacharjee, President, AIBDPA, Mihir Das Gupta, former AGS, BSNLEU and many other senior leaders were present.

In his inaugural Speech V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU spoke about the pivotal role played by BSNLEU since the formation of BSNL to save BSNL and protect the interests of BSNL Workers. He mentioned about the excellent wage revision as also Promotion Policy. He called upon the workers to support United Forum and vote for BSNLEU in this verification. The Circle Treasurer, Kolkata Telephones handed over to VAN Namboodiri, President a cheque  for Rs. seven lakh towards Building Fund.

The enthusiasm and support shown by the comrades is a sure sign that the four circles of W.Bengal will certainly improve their votes in the present verification.

Fifth Membership Verification is coming nearer and nearer. Only one month is left for the actual verification. The voting will be on 1st February. The United Forum with five unions alliance has started serious propaganda work. Joint meetings of the United Forum unions will be held at Chennai, Bangalore, Ahnedabad, Jaipur etc. All the UF unions are requested to seriously start work so that the UF can win with at least 60% majority. Meet each and every worker for support.

From the press reports it seems that former Chief Justice K.G.Balakrishnan is also involved  in a scam. Politicians, bureaucrats, lobbyists, big business are all in the nexus. It will a great danger if judiciary is also involved in scams.

It was a good opportunity to attend and address the 3rd Circle Conference of A.P. Circle, BSNLEU. Myself and Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU reached at about 1930 hours yesterday, 27th December at Hyderabad Airport from Delhi. Our Comrades Anil Kumar and friends were waiting at the Airport and we started directly for Vijayawada where the conference will be held. We reached Vijayawada at about o300 hours, in the early morning of 28th.

The Conference started at 1030 hours with the flag hoisting. There were a lot of comrades who wore the red uniform will BSNLEU symbol. About 800 or more delegates were present. We were received with shouting of slogans.

Com.B.V.Raghavulu. CITU leader and state Secretary CPI(M) inaugurated the Conference. He spoke about issues of national and international importance. Then I spoke on the BSNL and workers issues. Since I have to reach to Kokata today itself, I left after the morning session.

A.P. Circle has got maximum number of employees than other circles and BSNLEU members also are maximum here. The organisation is well-functioning under the capable and militant leadership of Coms. J.Sampath Rao, Circle Secretary, P.Asokababu, Dy.GS, P.Mohan Reddy, Circle President and other leaders.  I place my appreciation for all of them for the excellent functioning and arrangements.

More than 50,000 students and workers marched before the Parliament in London protesting against the increase in tuition fees and also VAT increase. The tuition fees have been increased by more than 300%. It is reported that this is the biggest rally by the workers and students in UK during the past decades.

The war crimes committed by the Nazi leaders under Hitler in the II World War are well-known and documented. Many were prosecuted and punished after the Neuremberg trial. But many nazi criminals could not be caught. It was stated that many of these criminals were secretly given safe haven by the US and were utilised for intelligence and other purposes.

The latest secret reports of US confirm these allegations. Capitalist system has no remorse in giving shelter to the worst enemies of mankind and utilise them for their own sinister purposes. That is capitalism!

It seems that the cold has come to the north India in a strong way. For the last two days minimum temperature has gone  down to 5%. To add more difficulty, the fog has also started in right earnest. Yesterday and today many flights and trains have been much delayed by the heavy fog.

But the people of north seems to be enjoying the winter. It is the marriage season with costly pandals and festive barats. It is the time for shopping, Iftar parties and enjoyment. I really appreciate the people for taking both the hot summer and cold winter with equanimity.

The questioning of former communications Minister A.Raja and CWG supremo Suresh Kalmadi by CBI have been given wide publicity in the papers as if every thing is going on speedily and correctly. But what is the fact? The questioning of the two persons who are accused of the biggest scams in the country was not done for the last few months even though there were clear prima facie evidences all along. They were allowed to roam free and  destroy or tamper with the important records and   documents for months together. It is well-known that there are godfathers and godmothers who ensure that enquiries and investigations are derailed. so that months and years after there will be no conclusion and decision. Everybody will be scot-free. Only the strong protest of the people will have some effect.

BSNL has added 24,18,210 wireless connections in October 2010. The total wireless connections for BSNL at present is 8,07,39,935 with a market share of 11.43%. BSNL Total wire line subscribers as on October 2010 is 2,60,44,923 with a market share of 73.51%.     Total teledensity is 62.51