CPI alleges corruption in land, free house site distribution

Chennai, Nov 26 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today alleged irregularities in the distribution of land and free house site pattas by the government to the poor.

Talking to reporters here, CPI State Secretary D Pandian said the government officials were demanding illegal gratification for giving land and house site pattas to the poor.

Asserting that there was enough proof to substantiate the charge, he said he was prepared to hand over the list of erring officials to the government and wanted Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to take action against them.

On the proposed rail and road roko agitation by farmers, he said the CPI would participate in the picketing programme tomorrow, demanding the Centre to fix Rs 1000 per quintal for paddy.

Referring to the medicos agitation, he said Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss should hold parleys with the students to find a solution to the issue.

Welcoming the steps taken by the state government to put an end to rowdyism, Mr Pandian said people were in the grip of fear over the recent mercenary killings of the DMK functionary in Tiruvarur and two AIADMK functionaries in Chengalpattu.

The Chief Minister's fiat to police to take stern action against anti-social elements was a step in the right direction.

About the plight of Tamils in foreign countries, he urged the centre to post Tamil speaking officials at Indian Embassies so that the issues confronting the Tamils working abroad could be solved.

He said the CPI's three-day national council meeting would be held here from January 17 next year.

National leaders like A B Bardhan, D Raja and Gurudas Das Gupta would participate in the conference, he added.

UNI