CPI(M) flays poll-eve sops

The CPI(M) politburo, which met here yesterday, criticised the NDA government for "doling out sops to different sections on the eve of the polls."

The latest concessions from commerce ministry on imports would worsen the burgeoning trade deficit, it said.

The politburo members, including party general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet, are here to attend the central committee meeting.

"The withdrawal of duties on imports of gold and silver; duty-free import of alcohol, duty-free import of capital goods including office and professional equipment for the service sectors are concessions being doled out in return for electoral support from certain sections," the politburo said.

By making announcements to this effect a day before the Lok Sabha was to convene, the government once again had abdicated its responsibility to be accountable to Parliament and people, which constitutes a gross constitutional impropriety, the meeting said.