Dear Editor,
There seems to be some confusion generated by some sections of the media regarding the ideological orientation of the PPP, especially since the conclusion of the party’s Congress in December last year. Similar confusion transpired after the PPP/C won the October 5, 1992 elections in which attempts were made by the media to project the PPP as ideologically inflexible and anachronistic.
It is instructive to recall the way Dr Jagan responded on the issue of the ideological orientation of the PPP vis-à-vis that of the Civic alliance after the PPP/C was victorious in the historic elections of October 1992.
“The People’s Progressive Party to which I belong is historically a party of the working people and the poor, guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism and with the aim of building a democratic and humane society with a multi-party parliamentary system.” (Stabroek News, August 26, 1993).
Regarding the Civic alliance he said the PPP had never foisted its ideology on its alliance partner nor on the PPP/Civic government, and was emphatic that the party had no intention of doing so.
Dr Jagan explained that what his government did was to dismantle the structures of ‘party paramountcy’, the pernicious doctrine of the former PNC government under which the ruling party was indistinguishable from the state.
Dr Jagan was critical of some sections of the media for sensationalizing on the question of ideology with the view of projecting the party in a negative light at home and abroad.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally