CPI(M) to intensify stir on price rise

The CPI(M) has threatned to intensify its agitation on the price rise issue if the UPA government doesn't take effective steps to curb inflation.

Speaking at a rally organised by the Samajwadi Party-led United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), party General Secretary Prakash Karat demanded that the government ban futures trading in 25 agricultural commodities as proposed by the parliamentary standing committee.

The Left parties had joined the rally in its bid to form a front of the parties opposed to the BJP. However, Karat and other leaders didn't spare the Congress either.

Coming down heavily on the Congress for not doing enough to curb price rise, Karat said, "After April 23, we will look for other means to protest against the government's handling of the price situation."

He also demanded that the UPA government immediately restore the cut in foodgrain allocations to fair price shops in West Bengal and Kerala.

"In Kerala, there is a rice crisis. They have cut down the above poverty line quota. I was in Kerala. I led an all-party delegation to the prime minister on this issue where even the state Congress joined us."

Apart from Karat, the meet was attended by CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and General Secretary Amar Singh, and CPI's AB Bardhan. Many of these leaders later courted arrest.