The Hindu : `NDA Govt. policies have ruined economy'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2003

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National

`NDA Govt. policies have ruined economy'

By Our Special Correspondent

CPI(M) members burning an effigy of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, in Bangalore on Tuesday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE Sept. 9. The CPI(M) politburo member, Prakash Karat, said here on Tuesday that the policies pursued by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance Government at the Centre had ruined the country's economy.

At a public meeting organised by the party's State Committee to protest the economic and foreign policies of the Central Government, he alleged that the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had become a `tool of the U.S.' and also a partner in the `U.S.-Israel nexus'.

He charged that Mr. Vajpayee had allowed the U.S. and the World Bank to `dictate the country's economic policy'.

Mr. Karat said the Centre was openly supporting Israel and its activities, which was against the ideals of non-alignment, a cherished principle of the country all these years. He condemned the visit of the Israeli Prime Minster, Ariel Sharon.

Referring to "the Centre's casual approach to drought in several States", he said while farmers were facing difficulties, the Government had exported 1.50 crore tonnes of foodgrains.

He termed as "unfortunate'' the Supreme Court's observation on the right of workers to strike, saying strike was the ultimate means for the working classes to get their due.

The CPI(M) would organise a convention on the issue in New Delhi on September 26. The party had decided to extend support to such conventions being organised by employees of the Union and State Governments.

On the political developments in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Karat said it only showed that the BJP had `betrayed' the Bahujan Samaj Party leader, Mayawati.

The Karnataka CPI(M) secretary, G.N. Nagaraj, said the Krishna Government had failed to tackle the drought situation and should be held responsible for the suicides by farmers. He urged the Government to put pressure on banks and lending institutions to waive loans taken by farmers and extend fresh loans to help them tide over their difficulties.

The State party leaders, V.J.K. Nair, Maruthi Manpade and K. Neela, also spoke.

Earlier, a procession was taken out from Chikklalbagh to Malleswaram Grounds, where an effigy of Mr. Sharon was burnt.

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