Pass strong Lokpal Bill or..., says CPI

Pass strong Lokpal Bill or..., says CPI

The CPI has asked the Government to pass a strong Lokpal Bill in the Winter Session of Parliament or face a nation-wide protest.

Addressing media on Sunday after the party’s two-day National Executive meet here, CPI(I) general secretary AB Bardhan said that the party would launch a nationwide protest if the Bill is not passed in the Winter Session.

Asked whether they would join Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, he said, “No. We will have our own campaign.”

Bardhan also accused the Government of drifting on various issue like the Telangana statehood demand and Food Security Bill.

Besides graft, the party will also focus on rising prices. The Left CPI move an adjournment motion on price rise on Tuesday, the first day of Parliament session. Accusing the UPA of not being able to control double-digit inflation, the party has demanded regulation of fuel prices.

“There is no relief to common man and the Government has taken no steps to contain the prices despite Parliament passing a unanimous resolution earlier,” said Bardhan.

The veteran CPI leader said the economic situation in the country was very serious despite “comfortable statements” made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on various issues.

Opposing the frequent hike in prices of petrol, Bardhan demanded that the Government reverse deregulation and decontrol of fuel prices in the interests of common people. On the recent decrease in fuel hike, he said that was an indication that the prices can be increased anytime in future citing prices of crude oil in the international market.

The CPI leader alleged that there were several attempts to “dilute and virtually scuttle” the Food Security Bill and asked the Government to come out with a strong legislation at least during the Budget Session next year. Bardhan said the National Executive also condemned the move to enact Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill.

“The CPI strongly opposes the move to enact this Bill and to divert Pension Funds to stock market as it will be against the interests of the workers and it will mobilise other democratic forces in the country in order to defeat the Government moves,” he said.