The Hindu : National : Centre needs to do a lot more: CPI leader

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Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004

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National

Centre needs to do a lot more: CPI leader

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 14. It is not enough that the Central Government's economic advisers heed to the concerns expressed by the Left.

The Government, too, should heed, the Communist Party of India (CPI) national secretary, D. Raja, said here today.

Referring to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh's advice to his advisers to keep in mind the Left parties' sensibilities, Mr. Raja said at a press conference here that "our concerns are not just our own but those of the nation and people."

Interest rate

Listing the areas of differences between the Left parties and the United Progressive Alliance, he said when the Government reduced the interest rate of the Employees Provident Fund, the Left opposed the move.

The Government assured them that it would "actively consider" their suggestions. Wondering why the Centre had not restored the interest rate till now, Mr. Raja wanted the Government to do it immediately.

Similarly, the Left was not opposed to foreign direct investment (FDI) as such. But, "we cannot allow FDI to take over any sector, civil aviation or insurance or telecom," he said.

"It [the Union Government] cannot pursue the same old policies of the NDA [National Democratic Alliance] Government. It has to understand the requirements of the ground realities."

`Not consulted'

Mr. Raja said that it was because of the Left's "pressure" the Government did not contemplate any further hike in the prices of petroleum products though there had been an "unprecedented rise" in the prices in the international market.

The Left also felt that the measures taken to moderate inflation were not sufficient.

The Government did not discuss with the Left the foreign trade policy unveiled recently.

Three months after taking over, the UPA Government should "act and perform."

It should implement the Common Minimum Programme in "letter and spirit" and identify itself with the poor.

The Group of Ministers constituted for studying the issue of reservation in private sector should engage industrialists in a dialogue.

Campaign plan

Mr. Raja said that to highlight its position on various issues, the CPI would carry out a nationwide campaign between October 2 and 8.

Asked whether the Left was unhappy with the performance of the UPA Government, Mr. Raja: "We cannot be happy at this point of time.

``The Government needs to do a lot more."

Mr. Raja criticised the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government for what he called the "deteriorating law and order situation" in Tamil Nadu and described it as one "not adhering to democratic values."

He wanted the democratic forces to "rescue" the State from the present condition.

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