Lucknow, Nov. 26 -- A Comrade Ashok Garg Memorial Lecture under the theme - 'Current political scenario: Challenges and our responsibility' was delivered by former general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Prakash Karat during a programme organised by Jan Vichar Manch at the Kaifi Azmi Academy on Tuesday. Karat during the lecture discussed the qualitative changes that have taken place during the BJP's eleven years in power. "The BJP and RSS have captured educational and cultural institutions, the judiciary, and the bureaucracy. The Election Commission is firmly in their grasp. Parliament's working time is being reduced. Orders are being issued in violation of Parliament. The central government is directly interfering in state affairs. Education is a state subject, but the appointment of vice chancellors is being made at the behest of the RSS," alleged Karat. He also said that an alliance has formed between 'Hindutva' and corporate governance. "Capitalists are directly benefiting from this, with five industrial houses receiving the greatest benefits. A developed India is being envisioned based on this model. Economic inequality has risen the most globally in India, worsening the plight of the poor." "The federal structure of the country is being attacked. Central aid to opposition governments is being cut twice as much as to majority governments. Under the NEP, PM Shri schools are being made mandatory." "The Prime Minister's photo is required in all schemes. As part of a deliberate strategy, democracy is being weakened through excessive centralisation," he added. Former head of Political Science department of Lucknow University Prof Ramesh Dixit delivered the presidential address on the occasion and said that there is a need to highlight the liberal side of religion. "We must reach out to people and connect with them. Today, our citizenship is under attack. Therefore, it is essential that we be vigilant about our civil rights. The Constitution has given us fundamental rights. Therefore, we need to protect the Constitution and democracy. We cannot leave the Constitution to majoritarianism. We will work together to protect freedom," said Dixit. Earlier, as part of the programme, a documentary film featuring fond memories of Ashok Garg shared by his close allies was screened. It was shot by Rishi Srivastava. ....