UNPA, Left to discuss strategy over inflation

New Delhi, Apr 19: The United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) and the Left parties are scheduled to hold a conference here today to discuss their strategy to corner the Congress-led UPA government over inflation.

The conference will be chaired by UNPA chairman Mulayam Singh Yadav and Communist Party of India (CPI) senior leader A B Bardhan. Party presidents of the constituents of the UNPA and well-known economists are also expected to participate in the conference. Ahead of the conference, Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh had last evening said, "After the conference, we would be marching to South Block. There we would give a representation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on inflation."

Earlier, the Prime Minister had written to state governments asking them to take strong measures against hoarding, believed to be one of the main reasons for short supply and rising prices. He also asked the state governments to ensure that there is adequate supply of foodgrains.

Protests have started mounting across the country over the price rise, said to be the highest in more than three years. Inflation rate accelerated to 7.41 per cent last week, but tapering off to 7.14 per cent a couple of days ago.

The inflation rate has nearly doubled since December 2007, but the Central Government said that it could bring it down to five per cent within the next two months.

ANI